Mohegan Wigwam Festival celebrates heritage, culture at Fort Shantok
The Mohegan Tribe’s Wigwam Festival fills Fort Shantok with music and dance, celebrating Native heritage and welcoming visitors nationwide.
UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The sounds of drums, dancing feet and vibrant laughter filled the air at Fort Shantok Sunday as the Mohegan Tribe hosted its annual Wigwam Festival.
The event is a tradition that draws Indigenous people and visitors from across the country.
Held during the third weekend of every August, the festival celebrates Native heritage with traditional dance, food, music and handmade crafts. For Chief Lynn Malerba of the Mohegan Tribe, the gathering is both a reflection of history and a commitment to the future.
“When we are all together, the ancestors know that we are celebrating them and their ability to hold on to our culture,” Malerba said. “And that we are bringing that culture forward for the next generation.”
The Mohegan homeland becomes a place of reunion, connection and education during the event. Tribes from across Indian Country are invited to attend.
“Indian Country is small at the end of the day; we are all related,” Malerba said. “We appreciate everyone’s differences, but there are so many commonalities between us that it just brings us joy and honor when they take the time to come visit.”
Festivalgoers, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, are welcomed with open arms.
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“It’s a celebration for Indigenous people as well as non-Indigenous people to come learn about our culture, share a little bit about our history,” Malerba added.
Among the many vendors is Saocapooe, who sells handmade tribal wear and jewelry, each piece carrying cultural significance.
“It’s nothing strange, it’s just the heartbeat of Mother Earth, you recognize it, you belong,” Saocapooe said.
The Mohegan Wigwam Festival is held every August at Fort Shantok. For more information, visit the Mohegan Tribe’s official website.
Victoria Anderson is a Multi-Skilled Journalist for FOX61 News. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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