At the beginning of Native American History Month, Massachusett and Nipmuc tribe members met in Charlestown for the first joint burning of a traditional mishoon, or canoe, in Boston’s postcolonial history.
Daishuan Red Deer Garate, a cultural apprentice of the Nipmuc tribe, places wood pieces into the fire during the burning of a traditional mishoon at the Charlestown Little Mystic Boat Slip.
StrongBearHeart serves as the cultural steward of the Nipmuc tribe. He worked in partnership with Thomas Green, an Indigenous artist and educator of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag, on this project. They called it “.” This is the first joint burning of a traditional mishoon by the Nipmuc and Massachusett tribes in Boston’s postcolonial history.
“It's what we did for thousands of years,” he said. “We stepped into each other's spaces to create alliances. And also, you know, it's the reason that we survived here for so long.” There’s an artistry to the work. Too much fire and the mishoon is a total loss. Not enough and it won’t take shape. Around them, their campsite is spare. A few tents, chairs, strong coffee. Joining them throughout the week are other local tribes such as the Aquinnah, Mashpee Wampanoag, and Taíno.
“One of the most important things that we're working on is bringing back our right to ceremony in our own ceremonial places, which is a little bit under attack right now,” Parrilla said. “And we're organizing.”
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