Everyone likes a good offseason excuse to head all the way up-Island, and this Saturday, Dec. 9, the Aquinnah town hall will be alive with holiday spirit. The Aquinnah Cultural Center is hosting a winter fundraiser and holiday bazaar from 4 to 8 pm, and this second annual social will offer all things that are up-Island unique.
Aquinnah native Berta Welch is one of the board of directors at the Aquinnah Cultural Center, and she said this event is all about giving thanks.
“It’s about community, sharing, and being together,” Ms. Welch told The Times. “It’s what we’ve been doing for thousands of years.”
Wampanoag native artists Donald and Jason Widdiss will be selling their hand-carved wampum jewelry, along with paintings, prints, photos, and other crafts. Ms. Welch’s wampum will also be for sale. Jannette Vanderhoop will be selling her Island Naturals art, treasure boxes, and jewelry. Tiffany Vanderhoop’s beaded geometric earrings will also be available, as well as Linda Coomb’s pottery, and Ryan Derby’s contemporary artwork in paint, wood, leather, and beads. Give gifts that are truly unique and native to the Island this holiday season.
A $20 suggested donation gets you into the event, and includes an indigenous-themed meal cooked by tribal elder Kristina Hook. Ms. Hook is a known expert in foraging and preparing delicious native meals. She grew up in Aquinnah, and has been foraging and cooking up-Island for decades.
You’ll also be entered into an exclusive raffle, and have the chance to hear Carol Vandal on the flute and live music by the Black Brook Drummers, a group specializing in powwow and traditional Eastern American Indian–style singing; their music is influenced by both their traditional and modern cultural ways.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to kick off the holidays and give back to a community that breathes Island unity. All proceeds benefit the Aquinnah Cultural Center.
