Second Homelands Powwow Comes to the Berkshires
LENOX, Mass. — This October, more than 160 Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican tribal members and descendants are expected to travel from across the country to return to their ancestral homelands for "The Second Homelands PowWow: Tending the Fire," Oct. 3-4, 2026, at Shakespeare & Company.
In 2025, the first Homelands PowWow brought more than 60 tribal members and descendants back to the lands of their ancestors. More than 2,000 visitors joined them.
"I am so happy to be returning to the breathtaking heart of the Berkshires as a Mohican crafter for the second Homelands PowWow. Last year, we had such an enjoyable adventure, sharing our lives and our history with the local people at the event and on our special outings," said Kathryn Footit, Stockbridge-Munsee of the Mohican Nation.
"This year, I am so honored to be participating as a board member and helping find ways to allow my fellow Mohicans to 'come home' and experience what it is like to walk on the same earth our ancestors lived on, fought on, and where some gave their lives for America's freedom. See you at PowWow! Oneewe, my friends."
The theme of the 2026 gathering, "Tending the Fire," is a continuation of what began last year.
According to a press release:
A fire that has been kindled must be tended. It takes many hands, care, generosity, and commitment to keep it alive. The first Homelands PowWow kindled that fire. Now, the community is being invited to help tend it.
The Homelands PowWow was founded by a group of enrolled Stockbridge-Munsee tribal members and Massachusetts-based allies, united by a shared commitment to creating a space where tribal members can reconnect with their ancestral homelands through dance, music, culture, and community. Its mission is to honor and reconnect the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican people with their ancestral homelands in the Berkshire region.
Through the annual organization of the PowWow, funds are raised to support travel and lodging expenses for tribal members wishing to return to these sacred lands.
This year, 160 people are expected to travel from Wisconsin.
"What began as a desire to bring a few more members of the Stockbridge-Munsee community to the homelands of our people became a dream realized, with more than 50 tribal members and descendants returning in our first year. This year, 160 people will be coming from Wisconsin. This will be the largest gathering of Stockbridge-Munsee people in the homelands of our people since 1786, when we began our trek to the West," said Ginger Stevens, a Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican.
The organizers are committed to building relationships with regional Indigenous communities and local neighbors, laying a foundation for a gathering that can grow thoughtfully over time, continue for generations. The goal is not simply to create an annual event. It is to create continuity, to make returning home possible, welcome more people, strengthen relationships, and help ensure that the connection between the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican people and their ancestral homelands remains strong for generations to come, stated a press release.
The Homelands PowWow is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit and recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The organization does not speak on behalf of the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Council or represent the tribe, but are honored to help create a space for connection, culture, and healing in the homelands.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can experience intertribal dancing and traditional drum groups; Native artisans, crafters, and vendors; Indigenous food; cultural demonstrations and storytelling; opportunities to learn about Native history and traditions; interactive, family-friendly activities; and opportunities for conversation, connection, and community. All are welcome.
