80th Annual Shinnecock Indian Powwow Unfolds Over Labor Day Weekend

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A beloved and celebrated cultural tradition is set to unfold over Labor Day weekend as the 80th Annual Shinnecock Indian Powwow is presented on the Shinnecock Reservation in Southampton.

The event takes place from Friday through Monday. Grand entries take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Gates open on Friday from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m., and on Monday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The Powwow takes place on Shinnecock Nation Territory, located at 100 Montauk Highway in Southampton.

Tickets cost $20 for adults, $10 for children, seniors and military. The event is family friendly, with no alcohol, drugs, weapons or pets allowed. Family Friday half price admission is also offered.

Highlights include dance and drum competitions, audience participation, children's activities, storytelling, music, art, fashion, crafts and food. Also featured are host drums by Wicozani and the Youngblood Singers; flutist and smoke dance singer Wayashti Richardson; and guest singer Henu Josephine Tarrant.

"For four unforgettable days, the Shinnecock Indian Nation welcomes visitors from near and far to enjoy Native American singing, dancing, traditional arts and crafts, cultural demonstrations, and incredible Indigenous cuisine," organizers said. "This family-friendly, drug and alcohol-free event is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich traditions of the Shinnecock people and Indigenous Nations from across North America."

The Shinnecock Indian Nation is one of the oldest self governing Indigenous Nations in New York, organizers added. "Our people have lived on and cared for our ancestral homelands on the eastern end of Long Island since time immemorial, and today more than 800 tribal members call Shinnecock Neck home."

And, organizers said: "For us, Powwow is more than a celebration. It is a homecoming that brings together families and friends from across the country, a gathering that honors our culture and traditions, and the Nation's largest annual fundraiser. It is also an invitation to our neighbors and visitors to learn about the history, resilience, and living cultures of the Shinnecock people and Indigenous communities from throughout North America."

For additional information and tickets,click here.