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Schemitzun 2006 a hit, rain or shine
| | Toni Parker-Johnson photo |
Schemitzun 2006, the Native American Feast of Green Corn and Dance, opened on Thursday August 24 to picture perfect weather, the first of four days of cultural celebration, traditional activities, Native food and family fun. The singing duo Laughing Woman and Eagle's Wings kicked off the entertainment with a noon performance. Native musicians Joseph Firecrow, Yarina, Tiny Joe and Corn-Bred followed them into the spotlight during the long weekend of festivities.
Among the changes in Schemitzun this year were an increased number of Native American vendors and an expanded Native Village featuring a traditional eastern woodland garden and demonstrators from various eastern tribes, as well as from the Mashantucket Pequot Cultural Resources Department and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum. "The village this year has a bigger traditional garden," said Cassius Spears, cultural educator in the Cultural Resources Department. "We added Jerusalem artichokes, pumpkins and strawberries to what we call the three sisters of corn, beans and squash." (More)
Miss Mashantucket contestants shine at the Fox Theatre
| | Tribal Council Secretary Charlene Jones and Tribal Councilwomen Marjorie Colebut-Jackson and Chalita Young proudly present the newly crowned Miss Tiny Tot Mashantucket Sequoia Hood-Martins, Little Miss Mashantucket India Robinson and Miss Mashantucket Crystal Patterson. Toni Parker-Johnson photo |
The Fox Theatre was overflowing with talent on August 23 where more than 17 Mashantucket Pequot Tribal girls and young women were competing for the titles of Miss Tiny Tot Mashantucket, Little Miss Mashantucket, and Miss Mashantucket, to represent their Tribal Nation.
The event was sponsored by Tribal Council Secretary Charlene Jones and the Historical & Cultural Preservation Committee. This is the fifth year Secretary Jones' office has coordinated the event.
"I'm very proud of all the girls," said Jones. "They've all worked so hard on their dance regalia and their talents, I think everyone's going to enjoy this show tonight."
Duties that Miss Tiny Tot Mashantucket fulfills during her reign is making appearances at cultural events such as Schemitzun, and inaugurations.
Little Miss Mashantucket and Miss Mashantucket also make appearances at all cultural events; fulfill community service, volunteer time at the Child Development Center to read to the small children, spend time at the museum learning about their culture, spend time with the Elders Council, and have a special project through the Historical & Cultural Committee. (More)
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| TRIBAL SYMBOLS |
 Framed against the sky, the lone tree on a knoll represents
Mashantucket, the "much-wooded land" where the Pequots hunted and
kept alive their identity as an independent people. Displayed on the
knoll is the sign of Robin Cassasinnamon, the Pequot’s first leader
following the 1637 massacre at Mystic Fort. The fox stands as a
reminder that the Pequots are known as "the fox people."
 Pequot basketweave pattern.
 A gift from the Winged Ones, feathers
carry prayers to the Great Spirit.
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2006
