River museum to host day of indigenous culture, history

ESSEX — A day of stories and songs from the Nehantic Native Nation and the Elnu Abenaki Tribe will take place Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the waterfront lawn of the Connecticut River Museum at 67 Main St.

“The Connecticut Headwaters to the Sound: A Day of Stories and Song with the Nehantic and the Abenaki,” a free event, will include a Native American drum group, according to a news release.

Jennifer Lee will demonstrate the making of traditional ash bark and white pine basketry. Abenaki Chief Roger Longtoe will show a collection of tools and armaments.

A mishoon (or dugout canoe) project video at Peskeompskut and Elizabeth James-Perry’s wampum video will be on display throughout the day.

The Nolumbeka Project, an event collaborator, “envisions a Connecticut River Valley where the histories, cultures, and persistence of Northeastern Indigenous peoples are recognized and celebrated, and where all beings are recognized as sharing a mutual existence in an environment of balance and reciprocity,” according to the museum’s website.

There will be limited seating. For information, go to ctrivermuseum.org or call 860-767-8269.

Jennifer Lee / Contributed photo An Ash Bark and White Pine basketry demonstration will be among the events at the Connecticut River Museum on Sept. 25.