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2022 ceremonial celebration

MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2022

11am-5pm

Albemarle Field, Newton MA

 

This page features participants & photos from our 2nd annual Ceremonial Celebration, an event to celebrate and amplify Indigenous peoples and voices on Indigenous Peoples Day in Newton, Massachusetts. 

2022 invited guests and vendors

A photo of Annawon Weeden

Annawon Weeden
Emcee

With a great many miles on his moccasins, Annawon has travelled extensively throughout Turtle Island & beyond.  Blistering cold trips to remote Alaskan villages, dancing in the desert of the southwest, providing education on tropical islands such as Hawaii or Bermuda, Annawon Weeden has witnessed firsthand how many tribes maintain their sovereignty, which has reinforced his pride within his own New England native tribal roots.  With ancestry representing his Pequot & Narragansett lineage, Annawon is also an enrolled member of his mother’s Mashpee Wampanoag community of Cape Cod.  Much of his free time is spent creating indigenous art such as his wampum jewelry line (First Light Fashion) or representing the indigenous voice while conducting educational programming as founder of First Light Foundation.

 

Website

A photo of Ankhara

Ankhara by Luciana

Offering handmade, luxury home décor, accessories, and loungewear. Luciana's home décor merchandise is made from interior textiles and materials. All her merchandise is unique, eclectic, and ever-changing.

Luciana is Mayan from Honduras and Guatemala.

 

Website

A photo of Bayan Rocks's booth

Banyan Rocks

Offering handmade, healing centered, wire-wrapped jewelry. 

Website

Bike Newton logo

Bike Newton

We advocate for safe bicycling throughout Newton for all ages and ability.

 

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Blue Fish Creations logo

Blue Fish Creations

Offering sweet baked goods from our youngest food entrepreneur yet. This high schooler hails all the way from Springfield, MA and we are so excited to have her. Show Naima some love!

 

Website

A photo of a dancer from Bomba de Aqui

Bomba de Aqui

Bomba de AquÍ is a dance and music company that performs and teaches Afro and Indigenous Puerto Rican traditions. The company is based out of western Massachusetts and central Connecticut area. They provide workshops at public schools, colleges, churches and other community venues. They educate the community about the history of bomba music, foster understanding of the richness of Puerto Rican arts, and encourage active participation in that heritage. This is particularly important for Latino/a students. (Non-Latino/a students are of course also included!). Instruction is in both Spanish and English.

Website

Pauochau Nohkunnawau Waupi Brown-Paul

Pauochau Nohkunnawau Waupi Brown-Paul and
Nicolas Paul

Pauochau Nohkunnawai Waupi Brown-Paul (“She who dances on night winds”). Born into the turtle clan, daughter of Hiawatha J. Brown, Narragansett, Anette LaBeet, Carib. Granddaughter of Dr. Ella Thomas Sekatau, Narragansett (medicine woman), John B. Brown, Narragansett/Pequot Tribes. Born in Rhode Island, Pauochau Waupi comes from a long line of inherited Medicine people. Her grandmother was the medicine woman, tribal historian, keeper of cultural preservation, and linguist for the Narragansett Tribe. Pauochau had the pleasure of growing up as the medicine woman’s granddaughter. She grew up learning and teaching the culture through the arts of dancing, singing, weaving, beading, leather work, traditional recipes, language and much more. As a child, She participated in ceremonies and other tribal affairs.

 

Nicholas Paul, born into the bear clan, is the son of Roger Paul,Passamoquoddy, Kitty Mckellips, Hawaiian. Grandson of Lena Paul, Passamaquoddy, Abner Paul, Maliseet, Mary Socobassin, Passamaquoddy, Luie Nicholas, Maliseet. Nicholas grew up in a fluent passamaquoddy/maliseet speaking home. They mastered the craftsmanship of basket making, and many other cultural arts. Growing up, he participated in ceremonies and other tribal affairs. 

 

Nicholas and Pauochau, Married for 19 years, were born into the Algonquin culture. We participate in many pow-wows, gatherings, cultural workshops, demonstrations, teachings, ceremonies and other tribal affairs from the east coast up into Canada, working as a team. Our three children travel and participate with us as we share, acknowledge, honor, respect and love our indigenous ways. Taubot/ Woliwon.

A photo of Hiawatha J. Brown

Hiawatha J. Brown

Hiawatha Jon Brown, an enrolled member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island. He is one of the tribe’s longest-serving Tribal Councilman who served for more than 35 years.

Born to the late Mr. John Brown and the late Dr. Ella Sekatuau, Medicine Woman, Linguistic Specialist of Algic and Late Algonquin Woodland Narragansett Language, Hiawatha was raised with a deep respect for Narragansett culture.

 

Hiawatha has served as Chairman of the Narragansett Indian Pow Wow Committee for over 40 years. He is a former board member of National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), United Southern and Eastern Tribes (USET), and the National Indian Housing Council (NIHC). He has decades of experience in testifying before Congress in federal courts as well as negotiating with federal agencies. Hiawatha continues to represent the Narragansett Tribe on local, regional, and national boards as well as advocates for human rights and Indian civil rights, among other causes.

Casa Areyto logo

Casa Areyto LLC

Casa Areyto is offering Taíno language kids' books and also serves as an online content creator.

Author Priscilla Colón recently had a book signing at Newtonville Books just this past summer.

Check them out!

Photo of Cetiliztli Nauhcampa

Cetiliztli Nauhcampa

Cetiliztli Nauhcampa Quetzalcoatl in Ixachitlan was formed in 1999 from individuals from the four directions of the continent. Most of its members hail from Mexico, South America, the Caribbean as well as the US. They are an indigenous group that offers ceremonial performances and workshops through dances and songs from the Anahuac tradition. The group is cultural, spiritual, artistic, political and educational.  They are an open circle formed by families and individuals from the indigenous community that now reside in New York City.

 

Cetiliztli Nauhcampa Quetzalcoatl in Ixachitlan se formó en 1999 por gente proveniente de las cuatro direcciones del continente. La mayoría de sus miembros vienen de México y algunos son de Centro y Sur América, el Caribe y también de los Estados Unidos. Es un grupo espiritual, cultural, artístico, político y educativo. Cetiliztli es un círculo abierto formado por familias e individuos de la comunidad indígena que radican en la zona metropolitana de Nueva York.

https://www.cetiliztlinauhcampa.com/home

Photo of Chiqui's Kitchen's empanadas

Chiqui's Kitchen
Chef Krysia Villón

Offering handmade, love made, small batch Peruvian-style empanadas, drinks and desserts using Indigenous Andean ingredients, and more.

Based out of Newton, MA. 

Chef Krysia is Peruvian American of Quechua descent. She is the daughter of Jania and Arturo Villon. She is mama to her precious Kahlo. She is the Chef Owner of Chiqui's Kitchen as well as an online facilitator for Boston University's graduate Gastronomy program. 

 

Chef Krysia specializes in using indigenous Andean and South American ingredients in much of her cooking and teaching. She has been a Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance (NAFSA) mentee and has been awarded several traveling scholarships to cook at Indigenous food summits across the nation. She has presented indigenous food demonstrations, taught cooking classes, catered, and hosted private dinners at various universities, private companies, and museums. She has also had the pleasure of cooking as part of a team with the Wild Bearies (WI), Sean Sherman aka the Sioux Chef (MN), and the I-Collective (national).

www.chiquiskitchen.com

CAN-DO logo
U-CHAN logo

Citizens for Affordable Housing in Newton Development Organization (CAN-DO)
- and -
Uniting Citizens for Housing Affordability in Newton (U-CHAN)

CAN-DO, Citizens for Affordable Housing in Newton Development Organization, Inc., is a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to the cause of affordable housing for individuals and families with low and moderate incomes. Founded in 1994, CAN-DO has developed and managed affordable housing units serving a diverse population. It has been, and continues to be, a tireless advocate and organizer of community based action to support and promote affordable housing in Newton.

 

Website

Uniting Citizens for Housing Affordability in Newton (U-CHAN) advocates for the creation of affordable housing options for people of all backgrounds in the city of Newton, Massachusetts. U-CHAN’s particular focus is on low-income families and individuals. We work to educate Newton residents about the role affordable housing plays in making the city more welcoming and vibrant. We support specific housing programs and take positions on housing issues in Newton. We also work with national housing organizations advocating for housing for low-income populations. U-CHAN played a pivotal role is securing the adoption of the Community Preservation Act in Newton. The CPA established the mechanism that oversees the funding of affordable housing, historic preservation and open space in Newton.

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Colectiva Wellness & Healing

Colectiva Wellness & Healing collaborates with organizations, communities & individuals in learning together and providing resilience tools, healing practices and programs that elevate collective wellbeing in Lawrence, MA. As a disabled, queer, Latinx owned business, Colectiva is committed to providing affordable and accessible healing offerings to Black, Indigenous, Latinx and People of Color, Queer, Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Non-Conforming siblings. Social, racial, disability, environmental and healing justice are interwoven into the foundational values of Colectiva’s mission.

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Photo of one of Craft Berta's dolls

Craft Berta

Craft Berta sells arts and crafts made exclusively by indigenous Mexicans of the Hñohño ethnicity, also known as Otomí.

 

All the crafts and dolls, known as lele, are made and sold by our family.

Photo of Belinda Miliano

Crafts From The Bay

Offering beaded creations, sea glass jewelry, and custom orders. Made in Maine by Passamaquoddy Tribal Member, Belinda Miliano.

Website

A photo of the card makers

Cusco Creations

Cusco Creations produce hand-made quilled greeting cards for any occasion. The artisans are native women from Cusco, Peru who have developed the skills to create exquisite quilled cards for resale in Peru and in the United States.

 

The women work together in a cooperative and are determined to grow a small business that might later turn into a growing enterprise that could employ their families, neighbors and others.

 

Cusco Creations, was founded by Nancy Paredes, who has spent time in Peru getting to know the people of Cusco. Nancy, a volunteer in Peer Servants, a Christian micro-finance organization, saw a need to give access to a larger market to these artists and set up a corporation here in the United States through which they could sell the quilled cards. All proceeds go back to the Cuscanian women artists. Together, they are Cusco Creations, and by your support you are helping to change lives.

Website

A photo of Hartman Deetz

Hartman Deetz

DJ Cruz logo

DJ Cruz

Offering music and sound for parties, events, and more!

Instagram

forj-logo.webp

Families Organizing for Racial Justice Newton (FORJ)

Families Organizing for Racial Justice, FORJ, is a coalition of families and individuals who believe change starts at home and in our own communities. Our name derives from the verb 'forge,' meaning to create or form, perfectly mirroring what we do: creating and forming a movement committed to realizing lasting change in our city. 

We offer antiracist programs in the schools and the community that bring people together, raise awareness, educate, and provide skill-building trainings for youth and adults. We share resources, source programming and collaborate with like-minded organizations to offer dynamic partnerships. 

Website

Photo of Claudia Fox Tree

Claudia A. Fox Tree

Claudia Fox Tree is of the Arawak and Taino nations and a guest speaker. Professional educator and social justice activist Claudia Fox Tree, M.Ed. Facilitates courses and workshops on having difficult conversations about diversity and anti-racism. In decolonizing equity conversations, she centers present Indigenous experiences and inclusive history in what is now known as North and South America. Her presentations center on marginalized Native American identities and missing contributions while dismantling stereotypes and historical inaccuracies. She asks allies and co-conspirators to come on the journey with her. 

Website

Photo of Terry Goedel

Terry L. Goedel

Terry L Goedel with N8tivehoop, is a Yakama/Tulalip Native originally from Tulalip, Washington.

He has danced;

In the New year’s Rose parade twice

at the Gene Autry Museum for the past 20 years

Knotts Berry Farm’s Indian Village for 8 years

In the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics he performed in the opening ceremonies

For 3 presidents of the United States, Presidents George Bush, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter

The Ramona Pageant for the past 22 years

He is an 9-time world hoop dance champion

He has been a junior high math teacher for 30 years

He has a BS from Brigham Young University

He has a Master’s Degree from Chapman University

He has been hoop dancing for the past 50 years:

Hartman Deetz of the Mashpee Wampanoag nation will be guest speaker.

Deetz has worked in the field of cultural education and preservation for more than 20 years and been active in native politics since 1988. As an activist, Deetz  has worked with groups such as the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee, 1994 Walk for Justice, Mashpee Coalition for Native Action, The Longest Walk 2 San Francisco to D.C, Idle No More SF Bay, NoDAPL, Indigenous People Organizing for Change, the Sunflower Alliance and No Bayou Bridge Pipeline.

As an artist, Deetz has spent decades honing his skills in traditional Wampanoag arts, wood carving, stone carving, copper work, feather work, antler, bone and Wampum. Deetz learned from his family, and tribal elders and artists such as Daryl Wixon, Bruzzy Hendricks, Stewart Turner, Brian Bartibogue, and Bob Charlibioux.

Deetz worked in museum artifact reproduction and exhibits contracting, as well he is a pow wow dancer who has made much of his own dance regalia.

https://ockwaybaywampum.com/

Photo of Marjorie

Good Eating
by Marjorie's Girls

Serving up Native American Taco’s, Fried Bread, plain or with toppings, chili, and strawberry & lemonade drinks.

Green Newton logo

Green Newton

Green Newton is dedicated to creating an environment in better balance with the natural world by making significant, measurable improvements in the way we use resources. Goals include helping households, businesses and institutions to:

  • Increase energy efficiency and seek alternatives to fossil and nuclear fuels

  • Use integrated pest management and organic alternatives to pesticides

  • Promote high performance/green building measures

  • Prevent pollution through source reduction and reduced consumption

  • Promote reuse and recycling practices

  • Improve waste disposal practices

  • Conserve water and other resources

Website

A photo of Eastern Suns

Eastern Suns

Eastern suns is a Native American Drum group from Mashpee, MA.  The group’s members are primarily from the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, although some Mashantucket Pequot, Aquinah Wampanoag and or Narragansett sit in with the group from time to time.  As the group’s name suggests all Eastern Native people on this intertribal drum are welcomed to represent. 

Eastern Suns has participated in various pow wows and Native gatherings Nationally and Internationally, traveling up and down the east coast and as far away as St. David’s Island, in Bermuda.  The drumming is not something that is taken lightly; the drum is referred to as grandpa as this is the level of respect given, and is viewed as the heartbeat of our people.  Singers are considered songs keepers and keep traditions alive. 

The group also volunteers at funerals of tribal members, when the community requires them to be in attendance; as the song keepers this is their purpose. The members of the group practice regularly with young children on the drum to assure that these songs are handed down. 

You can contact Eastern Suns business agent David Weeden via email Easternsunssingers@gmail.com, or by phone (401)782-7848.

Higuayagua Taino of the Caribbean logo

Higuayagua: Taino of the Caribbean

Is a non-for-profit 501c3  organization that serves the broader Taino community by providing educational, cultural, and linguistic resources to all those seeking to connect with their Indigenous Caribbean ancestry. Through the 501c3, it has dedicated staff and directors. They have provided aid for Native people, collected food and clothing for victims of Hurricane Maria and the Puerto Rican earthquakes. They have performed dances, storytelling, lectures, and workshops with all proceeds going back into the community in the form of High School and College Scholarships.

EACH ONE TEACH ONE, EACH ONE HEAL ONE! 

Website

Historic Newton

Historic Newton

Historic Newton is a public/private partnership between the Newton Historical Society and the City of Newton.

Website

IndigenoUS clothing logo

indigenoUS Clothing

Indigenous is a way of being, a state of mind, a way of living. We stand hand to hande, in unity. Not just tribal unity, but in community.

 

indigenoUS is an indigenous created apparel line made for like-minded individuals to wear, enjoy, and love.

 

Website

Karaya Wellness Clinic logo

Karaya Wellness Clinic LLC
Dr. Darlene Flores

Dr. Darlene Flores of Karaya Wellness Clinic LLC is a founding member of the IPD Newton, grew up in Newton, and is a proud mother. She continues the legacy of her family as a holistic huesero (bone setter) and holistic energetic worker. Known for her activism and advocacy for more holistic medicine to be taught and practiced in the BIPOC community, Dr. Flores prides herself in preserving the ancestral ways to raise her children and serve Native/Indigenous communities. She is also proud to be a veteran.

Website

Photo of Aukeeteamitch Uppeshau Brown

Aukeeteamitch Uppeshau Brown

Aukeeteamitch Uppeshau Brown is a Narragansett and Pequot traditional artist. The daughter of Hiawatha Jon Brown and Annette LaBeet and granddaughter of The late Dr. Ella Thomas Sekatau who was the medicine woman and ethnohistorian of the Narragansett tribe. She grew up in Charlestown Rhode Island and at the young age of 12 she learned how to do many traditional arts and crafts. Since the age of 14 Aukeet has been all over the New England states helping her aunt Nancy Brown Garcia to help doing cultural programs teaching to countless schools from kindergarten through college sharing some of our traditional ways of life, she has taught beading, leather work, cooking, dancing and finger weaving and her specialty is peyote stitch earring and hand stitched leather pouches. Currently she is living in northern Maine in the Micmac territory working at the boys and girls club helping to teach the children by sharing what she knows and helps to keep the culture alive.

League of Women Voters of Newton logo

League of Women Voters
of Newton

An item of clothing by Longhaus of Lone

Longhaus of Lone

Handmade, original, authentic, made to last for generations.

A new entity emerging from

Faye Lone Designs, Bin Lone Designs and Naqua Lone Designs. Based out of BASOM, NY.

Original native clothing, handmade, authentic designs, quilts, longhouse style, smoke dance style, ribbon shirts, and more.

Website

A photo of Samantha Maltais

Samantha Maltais

Samantha is an invited speaker and is a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah and grew up as the daughter of her Tribal Chairwoman in her community’s homelands on Martha’s Vineyard.

 

Samantha graduated from Dartmouth College in 2018 with a degree in Government and Native American studies then joined the Peace Corps, serving in the Polynesian Kingdom of Tonga. She later worked for the London-based international Indigenous rights advocacy organization, Survival International where she co-led the #MayflowersKill campaign and consulted on their Decolonize
Conservation project.

 

Currently, Samantha is a second-year student at Harvard Law School and the first female and sole recipient of the American Indian College Fund’s Law School Scholarship. She is also first member of her Tribe to attend HLS as highlighted by the Boston Globe and Harvard Gazette and appeared on MSNBC. At Harvard, Samantha is Co-President of the Native American Law Students Association, on the Harvard Environmental Law Review, part of Harvard Human Rights Advocates and an Admissions Fellow as well as a local activist. Following her legal education, Samantha hopes to continue her work at the intersection of environmental justice, Indigenous rights and Tribal sovereignty.

A photo of tamales

Mr. Tamole

Based out of Jamaica Plain, Mr. Tamole is serving up tamales and Mexican street corn. They also sell jarred salsas and mole paste,

Website

Founded in 1920, the League of Women Voters (League) is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that derives its strength from the energy and commitment of its members and supporters nationwide.  The League encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.    The goal of the League is to empower citizens to shape better communities worldwide.

The League of Women Voters of Massachusetts (LWVMA) is a 501(c)(4) organization that is active and involved at the state level.  It strives to promote and defend a healthy democracy and support its members and local leagues to do the same.  Through its sister organization, the Lotte E. Scharfman Citizens Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, the League empowers voters through voter service and civic engagement.

Website

A photo of the New Inca Son Quartet

New Inca Son

The splendor of Andean folklore comes alive with New Inca Son, "proud bearer of an indispensable cultural legacy." (Keith Lockhart, Boston Pops Conductor). The group has performed its ancient melodies and dances in such diverse places New Inca Son

 

The group has performed its ancient melodies and dances in such places as Kennedy Center for the Arts, Washington, DC; Mann Center for the Performing Arts (Philadelphia); Boston’s Symphony Hall and the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian (Washington DC and NYC locations). 

Based in Boston, our artists hail from the Andes of Peru and Bolivia, and their music is performed on many of the same instruments used by their ancestors centuries ago: pan flutes, kena (tube shaped bamboo flute); charango (cousin of the lute); and bombo drum.

New Inca Son is a band with a mission: to preserve its indigenous heritage and to instill, particularly in young people, an understanding and appreciation of it. Our artists both perform and educate, offering hands-on workshops, concerts, and residencies for students in schools, colleges, libraries, museums, and performing arts centers nationwide. As recognition for its educational work, the band earned the "Champions of Arts Education" award, Mass. Alliance for Arts Education; and "Gold Star Award," Mass Cultural Council, for outstanding school residencies.

Website

Newton Conservators logo

Newton Conservators

Newton Conservators Inc. promotes the protection and preservation of natural areas, including parks, park lands, playgrounds, forests and streams, which are open or may be converted to open spaces for the enjoyment and benefit of the people of Newton for scientific study, education, and recreation. It further aims to disseminate information about these and other environmental matters.

A primary goal is to foster the acquisition of land and other facilities to be used for the encouragement of scientific, recreational, educational, literary and the other public pursuits that will promote good citizenship and the general welfare in the City of Newton. In order to accomplish these purposes, the Conservators solicits funds and other gifts as is appropriate to carry out its goals. It is further empowered to use and invest these assets.

Website

Artwork by Robert Peters

Robert Peters

Robert Peters is a Mashpee Wampanoag Artist, Poet, and Author. He is an invited live painting demo artist this year at IPD Newton.

Robert’s family moved to the Wampanoag home land of Mashpee when he was ten. Here his father Russell entered a life-long battle to regain land and sovereignty for the Mashpee Wampanoag People. As a child, Robert witnessed the 1976 Wampanoag Indian land claim, trial and the tribe’s quest for Federal Recognition.

He published his first book “Da Goodie Monsta” in the fall of 2009. He released Thirteen Moons Calendar A Meditation on Indigenous life in 2015 and again in 2020.  “Da Goodie Monsta” is an illustrated children’s book based on a dream his son Robert Jr. had when he was three years old. The story depicts a monster that is part lion, part bird and part dragon wearing roller skates. “Da Goodie Monsta” chases away nightmares. The story introduces the reader to a boy named Shaka who has no dreams at all. Read this beloved tale to learn how Shaka finds his dreams. 

 

Robert was commissioned to work on three murals in 2021.  On Sachem St in Revere MA, in the Freshman dorms at U Mass Boston and a mobile collaboration with three other Native artists honoring Native Boston Marathon runners, which was displayed at the IPD Newton event last year.. 

 

Robert is currently working on two screenplays and a stage play. He continues writing, painting, and working with youth. He is a fire keeper and a keeper of oral tradition.

13 Moons Meditation Video

Jewelry by Tia Marie Pocknett

Tia Marie Pocknett

Tia Marie Pocknett is Indigenous mother, teacher, language keeper, and bead artist.

Chocolate bars from Prophecy Chocolate

Prophecy Chocolate

Cacao + Chocolate makers. Working with indigenous cacao farmers in the mountains and jungles of Peru.

Website

A photo of Pumawari Tusuy dancers

Pumawari Tusuy

Pumawari Tusuy is a cultural group whose purpose is to promote Peruvian culture through dances, enhancing the traditions and customs of our country with a distinctive style and original performances, while honoring the different backgrounds and regional representations.

Website

A photo of Rachel Beth

Rachel Beth's Healing Therapies

Rachel, a Mohegan Tribal member, is a Reiki practitioner who is available for energy healing and will cleanse and charge your crystals upon request. She will be offering reiki healing services at the IPD ceremonial celebration.

 

Rachel Beth's Healing Therapies also specializes in creating natural health and beauty products utilizing therapeutic grade essential oils, including custom oil blends, body scrubs, soaps, face mists, and room sprays. Healing crystals and sage are available to compliment your products.

Website

Artwork by Red Rock Designs

Red Rocks Design 

Micah Statis is Herring Pond Wampanoag and had been creating her work since she was 16 years old. Realizing her creations further connects her to her people and her culture. 

Facebook

A photo of the owner of Sankofa Anacaona Botanicals

Sankofa Anacaona Botanicals

Sankofa Anacaona Botanicals is a woman-owned traveling apothecary. We offer handcrafted herbal products made in small batches with locally sourced plant materials (including tinctures and herbal extractions, tea blends, body balms), and original botanical art.

Instagram

A photo of wood

Save Crane Ledge Woods

The Crane Ledge Woods Coalition embodies the true meaning of grassroots activism. We are an assemblage of neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations, individual residents and other entities with this mission:

  • To protect and permanently conserve Crane Ledge Woods from development.

  • To care for Crane Ledge Woods as public green space, which includes repairing the ecological damage failed development projects caused in the past.

  • To catalyze further equity-oriented grassroots efforts, such as communal permaculture gardening and nature-based educational programs, that responsibly and sustainably connect our communities to Crane Ledge Woods and nurture an ethic of ecological care.

 

Crane Ledge Woods gets its name from Crane Ledge - a rock cliff offering a stunning view looking southwest across Hyde Park and the Stony Brook Valley far below. A forest of mature native trees and diverse plant life surround the towering granite cliff, preserving an inspiring sense of wilderness and keeping the area cool on hot days.

The view across the valley gives visitors a rare sense of Hyde Park as it existed more than a century ago, when Crane Ledge was a site for weekend picnics known as Pine Garden.

Boston City Archaeologist, Joe Bagley referred to Crane Ledge Woods as a potential indigenous archeological resource site, similar to the nearby Mattapan Quarry which has been protected, due to its rhyolite stone that the Massachusett Tribe used for toolmaking.

Website

A photo of land with water

Save Pine Barrens Project

A network of groups taking action to ensure a liveable future in a globally rare eco region. We are fighting to save the pine barrens in SE Massachusetts and the destruction of Indigenous sacred and cultural sites.

Website

A photo of Sonya Standingwaters Avant-Sanders

Silvermoon Catering

Sonya Standingwaters Avant-Sanders is a  Mashpee Wampanoag tribal member. She will be leading the Silvermoon Catering team. They will be selling clam cakes, three sisters rice, hot dogs. corn chowder, a veggie plate and Oreo blast for dessert!

A photo of the Wampanoag Singers and Dancers

Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers

Eastern Social Song and Dance requiring audience participation. Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers are represented by the communities of Aquinnah, Mashpee, & Herring Pond.

 

http://www.wampanoagsingers.com/

A photo of Mayela-Yaoxochitl

Yaoxochitl
by Mayela Quesada

Panolti, ne notoca Mayela-Yaoxochitl! Hello, my name is Mayela-Yaoxochitl! I am a Nahua/Chichimeca descended activist, mother, and wife who was raised in Mexico and in occupied Tocobaga land. I am the founder of small business Yaoxochitl which is my given Nahuatl name that translates to warflower/flores de guerra. 

My father was a victim of homicide after being taken back to our lands by ICE and it is this traumatic incident that inspired me to be vocal about human rights in my community. Since then, I have had the honor in serving with many social justice organizations fighting for Indigenous and black lives in Florida, California, and now Massachusetts. 

I had a dream for my comrades and I to be able to use our voices not only in the streets but on items that we use everyday, which led to the creation of my small business and manifesting this dream through art and accessories. 

I strive to continue fighting for my children, for my ancestors before me, and for the generations that will come after me.

Website

2022 photos

All photos taken and provided by Robert Arcand.

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