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Vibrant celebration planned for Bermuda Powwow

The Bermuda Powwow returned in 2023 after a five-year hiatus (File photograph by Akil Simmons)

A vibrant celebration at a summer festival will bring together Bermudians of Native American descent and other members of the community, organisers said.

The Bermuda Powwow, which is particularly dear to residents of or from St David’s who are descendants of Native American tribes, will be held at the St David’s County Cricket Club on June 7 and 8.

It will run from 2pm to 6pm each day.

The event — which will focus on themes of healing, remembrance and cultural celebration — is centred on Bermuda’s deep-rooted connections with Native American communities from the East Coast of the United States.

Terlena Murphy, chairwoman of the St David’s Islanders and Native Community, said: “The powwow serves as a platform to honour these ties and foster cultural pride.”

She emphasised: “The powwow offers a welcoming space for education, reflection and cross-cultural understanding.

Members of the St David’s Islanders and Native Community (Photograph supplied)

“It is a unique opportunity to learn about traditional customs, ancestral connections and the often-overlooked history of Indigenous enslavement in Bermuda.

“These histories are inseparable from our island’s past and continue to shape its present.”

A special libation ceremony will take place on June 7, providing an opportunity for community members to honour loved ones who have passed.

Attendees will enjoy a rich array of traditional Eastern Woodlands song, dance and drumming and the Warwick Gombeys will sponsor the drum circle, featuring the Wicozani, alongside the talented Mashpee Wampanoag Drummers.

The Wampanoag Nation singers and dancers will present interactive performances representing the Aquinnah, Mashpee and Herring Pond communities.

Warwick Gombeys will perform at the event (Photograph supplied)

The Warwick Gombeys will also showcase the Indigenous influences in Bermudian tradition, adding a unique local flavour to the event.

Attendees are expected to witness Gold Point Archery during an engaging demonstration and various local vendors will offer delicious food and artisan crafts, enhancing the overall experience.

“The powwow is more than just a cultural event, it is a living declaration of identity and resilience,” the organisers said.

Since its inception in 2002, the St David’s Islanders and Native Community has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the unique heritage of St David’s.

The organisation said that for over 350 years, Bermuda has maintained enduring ties with Native communities across the Atlantic, particularly from the northeastern United States.

“The legacy of ancestors who were brought to Bermuda during the 17th century endures through oral history, cultural practices and family lineage,” the organisation said.

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Published May 29, 2025 at 10:43 am (Updated May 29, 2025 at 10:43 am)

Vibrant celebration planned for Bermuda Powwow

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