77TH ANNUAL
SHINNECOCK INDIAN POWWOW
Labor Day Weekend
September 1-4, 2023
Video by Charlie Ehrman & Rosario Rodriguez
Native Arts, Crafts, & Food
Drum & Dance Contests & Dance Specials with over $50,000 in Prize Money
Gates Open
3pm Friday
10am Saturday, Sunday, Monday
Sunset Fire Lighting
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Grand Entry
7pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday
12:30pm Saturday, Sunday, Monday
$20 Adults
$10 Seniors, Children & Military ID
Children Under 5 Are Free
Cash or Credit Accepted at the Gate for entry
Free Parking
Drug and Alcohol Free Event
No Pets Except Service Animals with documentation
No drones allowed
The Shinnecock Indian Powwow is one of the largest Native American Gatherings on the East Coast. As we dance upon the earth we are reminded that our culture and love for one another is the resounding heartbeat that transcends all that we face; wherever we face it. We dance upon our drum. The sound of the drum and our footsteps are recorded year after year within the drum that we dance upon. We may be the only Nation that dances upon its drum.
The trees that surround our circle also record our Powwow historical moments within their barks as they grow with the People. We dance with all of our relations, past and present, from nearby and from afar. We welcome home our distant families as well as our guests with open arms and prayers as we share ourselves, our culture, arts & crafts, good food and our ceremonies during each Labor Day weekend.
We begin at 3pm on Friday with our first Grand Entry of dancers from all over the Americas at 7pm. Each day we host competitive dancing, guest entertainment, prayers, ceremonial dances, the acknowledgement of sponsors and visiting dignitaries. We honor our veterans for protecting this life as we know it. Grand Entry re-occurs each preceding day at 12:30pm and 7pm with the exception of Monday. We conclude Monday evening at 6pm with the awarding of prizes to our competing drums and dancers.
We also host 100 Native American arts, crafts and food vendors from all over the Americas. Cultural enrichment and the opportunity for cultural education abounds as Native American representatives from every region are available to demonstrate and share their stories to all who ask.
This celebration of tradition has been fostered by our community leaders and the Shinnecock Church to whom we are forever grateful. Each year as we fill ourselves with the excitement of the upcoming Powwow celebration, we are reminded of the other things we are thankful for. We thank our patrons for joining us each year. May your way continue to be beautiful.
Tabutne
POWWOW ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
Friday
Saturday
and
Sunday
Monday
3:00pm Gates Open
7:00pm Grand Entry
Friday Night Specials (Sponsored by the Shinnecock Golfers Association)
10:00am Gates Open
10:30am The Blackbird Band
11:30am Kalpulli Huehuetlahtolli (Aztec Dancers)
12:15pm Welcoming Address
12:30pm Grand Entry/Flag/Honor/Veterans
Invocation
Lord’s Prayer Dance by Thunderbird Family
Lord’s Prayer in Algonquin (Andrea Godoy)
Dance Contests
5:00pm (Dinner Break Entertainment)
Hoop Dance Exhibition
The Blackbird Band
Shinnecock Boys and Girls Club
Audience Participation Dancing
7:00pm Grand Entry
Retire Colors
Dance Competitions cont.
8:00pm Kalpulli Huehuetlahtolli (Aztec Dancers)
10:00am Gates Open
10:30am The Blackbird Band
11:30am Kalpulli Huehuetlahtolli (Aztec Dancers)
12:15pm Welcoming Address
12:30pm Grand Entry/Flag/Honor/Veterans
Invocation
Lord’s Prayer Dance by Thunderbird Family
Lord’s Prayer in Algonquin (Andrea Godoy)
Contest Runoffs
Social Dancing (Audience Participation)
Contest Winners Announced
Retire colors
Transit Information to the Shinnecock Powwow
The fastest way to get to the Powwow from New York City is by taking the L.I.R.R. Here's a list of trains that will get you to Southampton station:
Friday September 1st (Grounds open from 3 PM - 11 PM)
To Southampton:
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1:33 PM from Jamaica will arrive in Southampton at 3:31 PM
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4:07 PM from Penn Station will arrive in Southampton at 6:03 PM
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4:48 PM from Jamaica will arrive in Southampton at 6:51 PM
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5:33 PM from Jamaica will arrive in Southampton at 7:46 PM
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6:31 PM from Jamaica will arrive in Southampton at 8:44 PM
To Jamaica:
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10:58 PM from Southampton will arrive in Jamaica at 1:00 AM
Saturday September 2nd and Sunday September 3rd (Grounds open from 10 AM - 11 PM)
To Southampton:
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8:13 AM from Jamaica will arrive in Southampton at 10:12 AM
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10:32 AM from Jamaica will arrive in Southampton at 12:22 PM
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12:13 PM from Jamaica will arrive in Southampton at 2:25 PM
To Jamaica:
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3:59 PM from Southampton will arrive in Jamaica at 5:55 PM
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6:02 PM from Southampton will arrive in Jamaica at 8:11 PM
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8:25 PM from Southampton will arrive in Jamaica at 10:23 PM
Labor Day Monday September 4th (Grounds open from 10 AM - 6 PM)
To Southampton:
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8:13 AM from Jamaica will arrive in Southampton at 10:12 AM
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10:32 AM from Jamaica will arrive in Southampton at 12:22 PM
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12:13 PM from Jamaica will arrive in Southampton at 2:25 PM
To Jamaica:
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2:00 PM from Southampton will arrive in Jamaica at 3:56 PM
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3:25 PM from Southampton will arrive in Jamaica at 5:23 PM
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3:59 PM from Southampton will arrive in Jamaica at 5:55 PM
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5:01 PM from Southampton will arrive in Jamaica at 6:55 PM
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6:02 PM from Southampton will arrive in Jamaica at 8:11 PM
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7:05 PM from Southampton will arrive in Jamaica at 8:52 PM
Once you arrive at the train station, shuttle buses will be available to bring you to the reservation.
If you plan to use Suffolk-On-Demand, formerly known as 10A, which operates with a drop-off at the Shinnecock Community Center located directly behind the Powwow grounds, please note that you will have to pay. Check out the website for more information: https://www.sct-bus.org/ondemand.html
Remember to plan accordingly, have a great time, and travel safely!
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What should I bring?Powwow takes place outside in a field; not all areas are shaded. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring sunscreen. Hats, umbrellas, blankets, and lawn/beach chairs are encouraged.
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How do tickets work.Children under 7 years old are free. Discounts are available for elders over the age of 65, military personnel, and veterans. Tickets are valid for a single day only. There are no weekend passes. You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the gate.
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What's Included in my ticket?Admission to the powwow and free parking.
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Are tickets refundable?No. Shinnecock Annual Powwow is a rain or shine event. We only cancel or postpone the competition if the weather conditions are so severe as to threaten the safety of attendees. Any updates to the schedule will be announced on our social media platforms and website.
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Is this event handicap accessible?The Shinnecock Powwow takes place in a large, open grass field without stairs or other obstacles. Accessible parking spots are available for people with disabilities, and parking attendants will assist if those spots are full.
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Do vendors take cash or credit?Some vendors take credit cards and online banking, while others do not. It is advisable to bring plenty of cash with you to avoid any problems. Goods can range from $5 to $1,000+. There is an ATM with fees on site.
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How do I get there?Driving: Use 1 Church St, Southampton, NY 11968 in your GPS. When you arrive at the Shinnecock Indian Reservation, follow the signs. Rail: The Long Island Railroad has a stop in Southampton, only 3.3 miles away from the powwow grounds. We will run a shuttle to and from the train station.
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Where can I stay?There are many hotels in the immediate area. It is better to book sooner rather than later. Shinnecock is located in the heart of the Hamptons and takes place on a popular weekend. Hotels are expensive and book quickly. We suggest looking at hotels in surrounding areas like Riverhead or Manorville.
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Can I explore the reservation?No. This is our home. We ask that guests do not venture from the powwow grounds and other marked areas.
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Are pets allowed?For safety purposes, only service animals with documentation are allowed, and they must remain leashed at all times.