The Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers are a group of musicians, educators, and artisans from the tribal communities of Mashpee on Cape Cod, Aquinnah on Martha's Vineyard, and Herring Pond in Bourne. Our performances of eastern social songs and dances have both educated and entertained audiences of all ages in museums, schools, and various multi-cultural events. We dress in our traditional clothing and our songs are accompanied by a water drum and handcrafted rattles. We encourage audience participation and prefer to dance  with the people instead of for the people.

The Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers have appeared at Jacob’s Pillow, John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, The Peabody Essex Museum, Cambridge Arts Council, The Mary Baker Eddy Library, Heritage Museums and Gardens, Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, Mashpee Powwow, Aptucxet Trading Post Museum, Stonehill College, Brown University and more.

They have toured throughout New England and as far away as Bermuda, Hawaii and the UK. For three years, they have represented at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, heading up the First Light Float and delivering the televised land acknowledgement. 

All of the songs we share express our relationship with the natural world — how we are all connected to the earth, the sky, the water, the plants, animals and insects. Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers share a family friendly experience that provides a deep opportunity for audiences to learn while listening and joining us in movement. We trust that you will walk away with an understanding of how you can continue to honour these elements and remember that after 12,000 years, we are still here.

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Runtime: 60 minutes

Recommended grade levels: ALL

Curricular Connections: History, Dance, Music, Bilingual