Upcoming Events
2016 marks the 340th Anniversary of the Great Falls Massacre and the Nolumbeka Project is planning events to acknowledge and commemorate this tragedy. 

“What Really Happened Here?” 

Friday, May 20, 7-9 p.m., Greenfield High School auditorium, the Native American perspective of the  history of the  Great Falls Massacre, David “Tall Pine” White, Nipmuc,  and David Brule, Nolumbeka Project, funded by a grant from the Greenfield and Massachusetts Cultural Councils. 

Day of Remembrance: Commemoration of the 340th Anniversary of the Great Falls Massacre

Saturday, May 21, at 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Great Falls Discovery Center. CEREMONY BEGINS 1 P.M. We are allowing time for visitors to tour this battlefield area near what was once Great Falls (Peskeompskut) for personal reflection and  historic perspective. Key ingredients of the day will include Elder Teachings by Native American Grandmothers Jeorgina Larouque and Nancy Andry, a look back to the lasting significance of the Reconciliation Ceremony, guest speakers, musical offerings,  and special tributes to Monique Fordham and George Nelson. 

Pocumtuck Homelands Festival 

Medicine Mammals Return for 2016 PHF

Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., the Pocumtuck Homelands Festival returns to Unity Park in Turners Falls where the Reconciliation Ceremony took place. The festival keeps the promise by inviting Native American artists, musicians, and educators to participate. The Festival’s music this year will feature Theresa “Bear” Fox, Mohawk (Wolf Clan), and   Kontiwennenhawi, the Akwasasne Women Singers, “Wave Artist” Mixashawn, and the Medicine Mammals Singers.  Also, The Black Hawk Singers, Visioning B.E.A.R. Circle Intertribal Coalition Singers, a Penobscot hoop dancer, round dancing, elder teachings and a powwow emcee.

Third Annual

Beaver Moon Gathering

Saturday, November 21

12-3 PM

Great Falls Discovery Center

2 Avenue A

Turners Falls, MA

Billy Myers will be the featured speaker at the third annual Beaver Moon Gathering  on Saturday, November 21, noon – 3 p.m., at the Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.  Suggested donation $2 - $5.

A brief opening focused on “Giving Thanks” will begin at noon, followed by the keynote presentation by Billy "Iahteho:tas” Myers of the Kanien' ke'ha (Mohawk) Bear Clan. He will talk about the challenges faced by American Indians in the 21st century while remaining connected to their nation, history, ceremony and commitment to the environment. He will also share his experiences in activism, education and tolerance while touring the country, and the experiences with many Native nations, including issues with resources, alcoholism, and death rates on various reservations. Myers is a Professional Conservator/Artist/ Musician and Touring drummer for Gary Farmer, actor, musician, and activist.

The gathering is named in honor of the full moon on November 25. Traditionally, this full moon marked the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze to ensure a supply of warm winter furs.

Co-sponsored by 

Nolumbeka Project  (www.nolumbekaproject.org) 

DCR (http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/)

Hello Everyone,

Now that our biggest public event, the Pocumtuck Homelands Festival, is over we continue the work of the Nolumbeka Project in multiple ways.

First, I'd like to call your attention to the event hosted by the Battlefield Grant Advisory Board coming up this Saturday, September 19, at the Turners Falls High School.

Nolumbeka Project Board Members David Brule, Howard Clark and Joe Graveline have been active participants in this exciting project unfolding at the Great Falls. 

You can read about it in an excellent article, "A fair understanding: mapping the Battle of Great Falls" by Aviva Luttrell @ the Greenfield Recorder ( Click to read).  This promises to be an interesting and informative meeting.

I​n addition to the event on Saturday we will be at the North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival on September 26 - 27. We're bringing a raffle of items generously donated to us by the festival vendors.

Also, mark your calendars now for the annual Beaver Moon Gathering on November 21. We will keep you posted about these events and others that will likely come up.

As summer comes to a close, the Wissatinnewag circle gardens are flourishing under the care of Brent Pitcher. The crops include a traditional three sisters garden, ceremonial tobacco and white sage. Historical research is continuing and a team has been out in the field monitoring sites that may be culturally significant to the Natives in an effort to document and protect them.

In addition, we find ourselves busy with day to day organizational tasks such as maintaining the data base, paying bills, and trying to manifest ideas to keep the non-profit afloat financially.

As always your past, current and future help in this valuable work is appreciated.
Diane Dix, for the Nolumbeka Project Board

Look for our table there!