People's Harvest 2005-2006
History of the Peoples Harvest
Initially envisioned by Nolumbeka
Project President Joe Graveline and Native American flutemaker and
musician Barry Higgins, The People's Harvest took place at Scheutzen
Verein in Gill, MA in the fall of 2005 and 2006. A celebration of the
Native American/American Indian culture that once flourished on the banks of the
Connecticut River and its tributaries, the Peoples Harvest in 2005
marked the first time in 328 years that the members of different tribes
gathered in peace on a portion of what was once a sacred peace
village.
It was here, for centuries before the land was taken
by European colonists, that the People of Pocumtuc, Mohawk, Nipmuc,
Narragansett and and other tribes of the Northeast gathered in
mid-September each year. Setting aside their tribal rivalries and issues, they fished and harvested and shared in a celebration
of the bountiful blessings of Mother Earth. "Known as a place of peace
and harmony and welcome" according to Narragansett Senior Deputy Tribal
Historic Preservation Officer Doug Harris, this village is believed to
have been one of the oldest--if not the oldest--continuously occupied
site in New England.
The Peoples Harvest was brought about by the efforts of many people. In the fall of 2004, a core group
consisting of Graveline, Higgins, Cris Carl, Diane Clancy, Howard
Clark, Diane Dix, Susan Elkins, Pamela Kelly, Loren Kramer, Dorothy
McIver, began the work which led to a one day event in 2005. Building
on that experience and enlisting the support of local businesses,
individual and corporate donors, an even more successful two day event was held in 2006 which led to a $4000 profit that was
donated to the Friends of Wissatinnewag. More than 60 volunteers
contributed to the events assisting with advertising and a myriad of
logistical tasks, helping to erect and break down tents and booths,
working the gates, managing traffic.
The People's Harvest drew
together tribal elders; nationally known Native American musicians
including Joseph Firecrow, Hawk Henries, Tom Obomsawin, and Barry
Higgins; Native artisans whose crafts included sculpture, jewelry,
baskets, quill and bead work, carved masks, paintings, wall art, clay
pots, and more; live eagle and raptor demonstrations; Storytellers, traditional
dancers and drummers; re-enactors in traditional clothing;
educators and anthropologists; and an American Indian food concession
whose offerings included Johnny cakes, a corn and mussel plate, and
succotash.
The two events were widely attended and received
extensive coverage in the local media. It is our hope that the
Nolumbeka Project can help gather together the people and resources to
continue the People's Harvest in the future. If you are interested in
assisting, please contact us.
