Come see the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers, a group of musicians and artisans from the tribal communities of Mashpee on Cape Cod and Aquinnah on Martha's Vineyard. Their performances of eastern social songs and dances have both educated and entertained audiences of all ages in museums, schools, and various multi-cultural events. They dress in their traditional clothing and their songs are accompanied by a water drum and handcrafted rattles. Audience participation is encouraged! They prefer to sing with the people instead of for the people.

The Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers have appeared at Jacob’s Pillow,John F. Kennedy Library and Museum,The Peabody Essex Museum, Cambridge Arts Council, Sandwich Heritage Museum and Garden, The Mary Baker Eddie Library, Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, Mashpee Powwow, Aptucxet Trading Post Museum, Stonehill College, Brown University and more. They have toured throughout New England and as far away as Hawaii and Bermuda. Most recently, group member Annawon Weedon participated in the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, helping to deliver the first ever land acknowledgement in the almost century-old parade.

More than an entertainment group, the Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers share Native dress, language, history, dance and music with their audiences, educating all ages about their vibrant culture and spreading the message “We’re still here.” Speaking about young people attending a workshop, Wampanoag historian and group member Linda Coombs says, “I hope that they will gain an awareness that the Wampanoag people still exist; we're still around; and we still practice our culture." Indian Education Coordinator and group member Kitty Hendricks Miller promotes the importance of Native environmentalism in her interactions with audiences, noting that whole animals are used in Wampanoag culture and emphasizing respect for the earth.

Registration is required.

This program is made possible by the generous donors to the Cary Library Foundation.