Opening from On This Site - Native Long Island

Springy Banks Pow Wow Grounds

Springy Banks at Three Mile Harbor became an intertribal gathering place for powwows in 1944 and 1945, with later gatherings continuing into the early 1950s. Montaukett, Shinnecock, Matinecock, Narragansett, Schaghticoke, Cherokee, and other Native participants met there. The Springy Banks gatherings show Native people building regional relationships during the mid-twentieth century, when public histories often spoke of Long Island's Indigenous communities only in the past. The powwows affirmed community, diplomacy, and continuing Native presence. Powwows were held at Springy Banks in 1944 and 1945 under the Long Island Council of the Federated Indian League. Ashby West, who used the name Red Thunder Cloud, was among the organizers. Montaukett, Shinnecock, Matinecock, Narragansett, Schaghticoke, Cherokee, and other Native people took part. One gathering included a ceremonial "Treaty of...