This region has a deep history of seasonal gathering by Indigenous peoples. In 2023, while Portsmouth is celebrating its quadricentennial anniversary, the Museum is working to ensure that Abenaki history — before, throughout, and beyond the colonial period — is not sidelined or overshadowed by the history of Europeans’ arrivals in the region. Strawbery Banke partnered with Indigenous collaborators who have experience with powwow organizing and expectations.

A powwow is a modern Indigenous tradition of intertribal gathering and celebration. The Piscataqua Powwow at Strawbery Banke features 2-3 drum groups, dancers in regalia, a flute player, a storyteller, and an array of vendors demonstrating and selling their traditional arts and foods. At the center of the powwow is the dance circle or arena, surrounded by an outer ring of participants and vendors. The arena director oversees the daily events and informally educates the public attendees about some cultural practices occurring.

People of all backgrounds are welcome. In the words of AAA Native Arts, “There are no spectators at a pow wow. Everyone is considered a participant, even if you don’t do anything but lend your presence. Everyone has a place in the circle of people.”

The Piscataqua Powwow has been made possible by The Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson Endowment Fund