Day-long Celebration Of Wampanoag Culture Kicks Off Speaker Series

BREWSTER – Want to get to know our neighbors of the Wampanoag Nation better? Singing, dancing, history, arts and foods of the Wampanoag will all be featured on Saturday Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist hosts "Our Neighbors, the Wampanoag" to kick off its 2024-2025 Speaker Series. The all-day event highlights the history, cultural heritage and deep connection to this place of the Wampanoag, or People of the First Light. 

 "It's the third time we have done this event with the Wampanoag, although the first since the pandemic ended," said Susan Smith, chair of the First Parish Brewster (FPB) UU Speakers Series. 

 First Parish Brewster has a longstanding relationship with the Wampanoag including support for their tribal initiatives, she noted. "We hope this event will inspire attendees to learn more about their history, knowledge and resilience."

 Darius Coombs, a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and their Cultural Outreach Coordinator of Education, will kick off the day's activities at 10 a.m. Coombs has a deep understanding of the pre and post-colonial history of his people, their culture and their spiritual relationship with the Earth. He worked for over 30 years at the Plimoth-Patuxet Museums, where he was formerly director of indigenous research and interpretive training.

 At approximately 11 a.m., the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers will perform a variety of eastern social songs and dances. They will be dressed in their traditional clothing and accompanied by a water drum and hand-crafted rattles. Composed of musicians, educators and artisans from the tribal communities of Mashpee, Aquinnah and Herring Pond, the group highly encourages audience participation, Smith said. If the weather is inclement, they will perform in the sanctuary.

  From noon to 3 p.m. in the Parish Room, Wampanoag food will be prepared by tribal chef Laverne Floyd and Donovan Daley, including favorites such as quahog chowder, corn chowder, stuffed clams, cornbread fritters, fishcakes, three sisters rice, strawberry moon tea and blueberry slump. Based on her past experience, Smith said, "I expect the food will be sumptuous!"

 Wampanoag artists and crafters will have work on display and for sale. Mother Bear (Anita Peters) is Clan Mother of the Mashpee Wampanoag Bear Clan and is a docent at the Mashpee Wampanoag Museum, as well as a creator of traditional deerskin clothes. Over the years she has created an historically authentic, miniature recreation of a Wampanoag village, which she will talk about and share.

 In addition, native artist Hartman Deetz will be selling contemporary Wampum jewelry. Arts and crafts for children will be led by educator Kitty Hendricks of the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Museum.

 Putting on the day-long event takes a hard-working team of lots of volunteers, Smith said. "Many volunteers from the congregation have been involved and will continue to work hard to make this a successful event for all ages. Sue Trask, who has worked tirelessly on social justice issues for decades, has been instrumental in bringing this terrific event to FPB."

 The FPBUU Speakers Series titled "Voices of Cape Cod" will continue monthly through June and is designed to hear from voices of "Black and Indigenous people, marginalized people and of trans people in our midst," Smith said. "We have not heard enough of these voices." 

 The next program in the series will be Sunday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. Titled "What is the impact of Breast Cancer on Women in Third World Countries — And What Is Being Done About It?" the talk will feature Dr. Erole McLean and Karen Hughes of Helping Hands Worldwide. Offered at no charge, a free will offering is appreciated, Smith said.

 First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist is located at 1969 Main St. Parking is available behind the Brewster Chowder House or down Cottonwood Road to the large "Parking" sign. For more information visit fpbuu.org.