A Report of Our 2003 Celebrations
by Iron Thunderhorse
Branford Review Weekend, August 30, 2003, page 5
The
Ancoda Farm, site of the 2003 Annual Event
Due to all the unusual spring rains not much road grading could be done on the access road [to the powwow site]. Some vehicles got through, others did not. We apologize for any inconveniences (it did enable us to reevaluate where to put the parking area as an alternative next year).
Lenape Pohosin drum performing and making humerous talk. © 2003 ACQTC
The annual ceremonies went very well as the accompanying photos will attest. Highlights included the Lenape/Renape traditional wedding of myself to my wife, Ruth Mahweeyeuh Thunderhorse and the annual traditional quinnekommuk (Long House) ceremonies. The host drum was again Lenape Pohosin who was short one person so UELN Turtle Clan Chief Billy Blue-Feather filled in. Lead singer and native flutist Wind Walker captivated all with her haunting melodies, and strong voice in song.
Starting the ceremonial fire with a bow drill as chiefs watch. © 2003 ACQTC
The ceremonial fire was lit by Steve Chohquogren who used a traditional bow drill to start the fire, and at the ceremony we call “tied-in-the-blanket” the youngest maiden swept all round the area. The annual adoption ceremony was again a very sacred and moving experience. The longhouse bore flags and medicine bundles from our clans and bands, in the center of which stood the World Cedar Tree the Quinnipiac called the shittawoonghua, and Numpsook Rout or Grandfather Fire burned strong for its annual rekindling.
Tied-in-the-blanket wedding ceremony begins. © 2003 ACQTC
All the children got a ride on horseback (some of them for the first time) and Gordon Fox-Running Brainerd of Branford made his famed clam fritters, chowder and other goodies as well.
New and old members from many states as far as Canada and Texas came thousands of miles. New friends were made, news shared and plans for the future discussed.
Relaxation with extended family. © 2003 ACQTC
ACQTC is grateful to our gracious hosts David and Angie Wagner of the Ancoda Farm at Tackachawan, and to Steve, and Alexander, Hawks, Fox Running, Virginia Welch and her Schaghticoke friend Sweet Berry Kicks Twice, to DJ Howell/Wadchanuk who attended my beloved wife in our marriage ceremony and to all UELN members who made the journey from Pennsylvania.
We also give thanks to Running Deer and her daughters who made the trek from the Long Trail Band, which sits on the Connecticut River on the borders of Vermont and Canada and to our members from Massachusetts, and to David O/Fishhawk, who entertained us with an ancient instrument he lovingly reconstructed and performed on.
To one and all Arumshemocke, thank you very kindly for your participation. To those who sent emails and letters of regret do not fret that circumstances prevented you from coming. DJ/Wadchanuk and Virginia Welch chronicled all events as did our Warranwunkong Band of the Shawungunks and we will be creating a CD of the powwow to be released sometime next year.
Namitch neetompoag.
