If you’re looking for a meaningful, educational, and fun way to spend time with your family, attending a local powwow is a fantastic choice. A powwow is a gathering of Native American people where they socialize, sing, dance, and sell homemade items. They offer a window into the rich traditions of Native American communities and provide a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds to learn, connect, and celebrate.
Massachusetts is home to several Native American tribes, including the Wampanoag, Massachusett, Nipmuc, and Pennacook. There’s a special opportunity to experience this culture right here in Central MA! Join us the weekend of May 17-18, 2025, at 29 Antietam Street, Devens, MA, for a powwow hosted by the United Native American Cultural Center.
This powwow is more than just a cultural event, it’s a family outing filled with music, dance, food, and community. Our cultural center also features a small museum, and we’re located right next to a playground—perfect for letting your little ones run around before or after the festivities. If you stop by, please go inside the center to see the displays put together by some of our members!
What Is a Powwow?
A powwow is a celebration of Native heritage that brings people together through dance, music, food, and storytelling. Each powwow is unique, but many feature drum circles, traditional and contemporary dancing, flute performances, and vendors selling handmade crafts. These gatherings are usually open to the public and are designed to be inclusive and educational.
A Family-Friendly Cultural Experience
Powwows are an incredible way for both kids and adults to experience Native cultures up close. You’ll see beautiful regalia (traditional clothing) in motion during dances, and you’ll feel the deep rhythms of the drum – the heartbeat of the powwow. Many events include narrators who explain the dances and their meanings, making it easy for newcomers to follow along and connect with the traditions being shared.
My Personal Connection
As someone who grew up in Groton, MA, I didn’t start learning about my Native ancestry until I was about seven years old. My mom’s family is Inupiaq Eskimo from Alaska, but was relocated to Massachusetts when she was a young girl. We lost contact with much of our Eskimo family until the early 2000s. We traveled back to Alaska then started to get involved in the Native community here in Massachusetts. When my parents joined the United Native American Cultural Center (UNACC), it became a true passion for our whole family; both my mom and dad eventually served on the Board of Directors. Now, I have the joy of bringing my two sons to powwows, just like my parents brought me. It’s a powerful way to stay connected to our culture and pass it on to the next generation.
Hands-On Learning and Fun
Kids especially love the bright colors, the movement, and the music. Many powwows offer interactive experiences, like craft stations and storytelling areas where children can engage with history in a hands-on way. Look for our arts and craft tables for your children to make something they can take home! And of course, there’s food! At our powwow, you can try a traditional dish called succotash, a soup made from the “Three Sisters”: corn, beans, and squash. You’ll also find more familiar options like hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas, and snacks, all prepared and served by our community members.
Supporting Local Native Communities
By attending a powwow, you’re not only learning – you’re supporting the Native communities who have called this land home for generations. Purchasing food or crafts directly benefits Indigenous artists, vendors, and families, helping sustain both cultural traditions and local economies.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Be respectful: Powwows are alcohol-free and drug-free spaces. Take time to listen and observe. If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask – a cultural guide or announcer will likely be happy to help.
- Ask before taking photos: Some regalia and songs are sacred. During honor songs or special ceremonies, photos and videos are not allowed.
- Bring cash: Many vendors are small businesses that may not accept cards. While some powwows charge entrance or parking fees, our event in Devens is completely free to attend!
- Dress appropriately: Comfortable, modest clothing is recommended. Powwows are festive, but also carry spiritual meaning.
- Feeling brave enough to join the dancing? Listen for the MC (Master of Ceremonies) to announce an intertribal dance – that means everyone is welcome to step into the circle! Families are encouraged to join in and move in a clockwise direction along with the drum.
- What to bring: Pack a blanket or folding chairs for seating, snacks and water for you and your children, and don’t forget sunscreen – especially if it’s a sunny day. Leashed dogs are welcome in the outdoor field where the powwow takes place, but please note that pets are not allowed inside the building. Portable restrooms (port-a-potties) will be available on-site for your convenience.
- Ask any questions you may have: Many of the dancers, drummers, and UNACC members would love to answer any of your questions.
Come Celebrate With Us!
A day at the powwow is a fun, eye-opening experience for the whole family. It’s a celebration of rich cultural heritage right in your own backyard and an opportunity to build understanding, appreciation, and community.
We’d love for you to join us on Saturday, May 17, and/or Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 10am–5pm. Rain or shine—we’ll move dancing and drumming indoors to our cultural center if needed. For more information, visit us on Facebook at United Native American Cultural Center, Inc. (UNACC), or email [email protected].
Written by Laura Van Tassell
Laura grew up in Groton, Massachusetts, but now lives in West Boylston with her husband, sons Theo and Henry, and black lab Olive. She taught at the elementary level for 5 years before deciding to stay at home with her boys full-time for a few years. Laura loves traveling, crafting, and baking.
