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2021-08-28

Schemitzun

I attended an indigenous festival at the end of August 2021 called Schemitzun. Called the "Feast of Green Corn and Dance," the powwow took place on Mashantucket Pequot grounds and hosted various tribes competing in music and dance. My family and I attended as audience members and we were truly struck by the spirit of the event. The main announcer explained at various points during the festival that this year's powwow was very special, since Covid-19 had canceled the event the year before. He explained that events like Schemitzun keep the indigenous community connected and vibrant, and this year's event was meant to be a celebration of perseverance and survival. I found it incredibly powerful that indigenous communities continue to thrive and grow despite centuries of struggle, and managed to survive the Covid-19 pandemic on top of that.