103rd Annual Powwow - Understanding the Ways of the Fire
This year’s annual powwow was a memorable event filled with singing, drumming, family, and tradition. Tribal members came together on powwow grounds to honor our culture, enjoy the food and craft vendors, and connect with those who have returned to Mashpee specifically for this annual homecoming.
Drums from across the East Coast, Red Clay (Hollister, North Carolina), Young Blood Singers (Shinnecock, New York), Southern Eagle (Maxton, North Carolina), and Red Hawk (Mashpee, MA), shared their songs throughout the three-day gathering. Competitions were held for all ages, and various specials also took place. Head Lady Dancer Chayna Hendricks held her special “For the Love of Fancy” to celebrate and recognize girls and women who danced Fancy Shawl. Head Man Dancer DJ Peters also had a special to honor and uplift his style of dance, men’s grass.
Our princess crownings were another highlight of the weekend that took place on July 7th. Our 2023-2024 Little Miss Wampanoag Misqua Wahan Strickland passed down the crown to our new Little Miss Ivy Machado. Ivy is the daughter of Norman Machado and Leah Tiexeira, and she comes from both the Mashpee Wampanoag and Narragansett tribes. Ivy has been in the circle her whole life, representing her people gracefully well before her crowning. Our Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow Princess Jenaya Perry passed the crown down to the new 2024-2025 Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow Princess Ciara Hendricks. Ciara is the daughter of Vice-Chairman Carlton Hendricks Jr. and Melisha Bingham-Hendricks. Ciara is a champion dancer, varsity captain, and student council member. Congratulations to Ciara and Ivy!
We want to give a special thanks to the Powwow Committee for making this year’s powwow possible. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and the community appreciates your leadership in organizing this years homecoming.
We also want to give a shoutout to and special thanks to all of our sponsors who donated to the powwow. Two of our platinum tier sponsors also have signed Community Benefits Agreements with the tribe, demonstrating their continued efforts towards collaboration.
2024 Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow Sponsors
Orsted
Avangrid
Vineyard Offshore
Rich May, Esq
Mashpee Commons
Cape Wide Construction
Collective Strategies, Inc.
World Wide Technology
Friends of the Powwow
Illusions Hair Salon
Botello’s Lumber
CC 5 Cents Savings - Mashpee First Citizens Bank- South East Area
Southeastern Archaeological Research, Inc.
Cecilia Gomes
Mass General Brighams
Sponsors make our powwow possible, and the tribe is grateful for their continued support.
A full photo gallery of the 103rd annual Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow will be posted once photos become available.
