The Look Book Goes to a Lenape Powwow in Prospect Park

The Look Book Goes to a Lenape Powwow in Prospect Park Dancers, artists, and musicians gathered to drum, sing, and compete in dance contests. By , editor of the Strategist print section, including “The Look Book.” He was previously a writer at the Strategist covering fitness and outdoor gear. Photo: Frankie Alduino Howard Crouse (pictured above)Tenth-grader, Salamanca How would you describe what goes on at a powwow?It’s like a big ol’ gathering. Almost like a concert, but for us. Did you grow up going to events like this with your family?Not really. I’m Seneca, and it’s not in our customs or tradition. I just do this for fun. But one tradition we have is a smoke dance. It’s a fast-paced contest dance that was used to clear our longhouses of smoke. Our feet would make the smoke rise and push it out. How do you win the contest?You just got to have the best moves out there. Fast, good footwork. Calista HareSecond-grader, Marty, South Dakota Cory RidgewayProgram specialist, Cedarville, New JerseyWhat kinds of patterns are on the regalia here today?You’ll see a lot of different floral work on mine, which usually means the person wearing it comes from a woodland area. There’s ribbon work down the front of mine, which is very traditional for Lenape people. But we also use contemporary fabrics and designs. Kai’Lyn “Chitanmanëtu Hëtapit” EllisFifth-grader, Bridgeton, New Jersey Wanbdi Iron ElkNinth-grader, Marty, South Dakota Kiara Tanta-QuidgeonIndigenous-health researcher, Boston, MassachusettsWhat would you tell someone who’s attending a powwow for the first time?This is an active revitalization for our communities. For a long time, there was a legal prohibition of our dances by the colonial government. The fact that we’re still out here and doing this despite hundreds of years of that suppression is a really beautiful thing. Osahpekwe RidgewayFifth-grader, Cedarville, New Jersey James ShepardFourth-grader, Bowler, Wisconsin Janiyakuha WebsterCultural keeper, Bowler, WisconsinWhat has been challenging about keeping these traditions alive?For many years, my family wasn’t able to speak our language. My great-grandparents would go into the basement to talk, and they wouldn’t let the kids down there. So there are a lot of cycles that people have to break now because of our generational trauma. Rob DeGaetanoBoxer, Douglas, Massachusetts Azilya Brings PlentyKindergartner, Marty, South Dakota Sookunon NushkeesuqotMuseum president, Southampton Alyssa MosleyCommunications coordinator, Bushwick Merna HareParaprofessional, Marty, South Dakota George StonefishConsultant, East New YorkDid you grow up in New York?On 82nd Street. Joe Namath lived around the corner. In the summer, I’d stay with my grandmother in Canada. I’d learn about the powwows and ceremonies. It taught me to be versatile. I can deal with rich white people and I don’t get intimidated. And then I go to a reservation and I fit right the fuck in. Cassidy RobideauSwim teacher, Manawan, Canada Aiden FordTwelfth-grader, Millville, New Jersey Li’Ana “Wisachulënstet” EllisTenth-grader, Bridgeton, New Jersey Mathyias “Këkëlëksit Tëme” EllisTwelfth-grader, Bridgeton, New JerseyCan you walk me through your regalia?I’m a prairie chicken. The dance I’m doing is supposed to resemble a rooster during mating season trying to get the girls’ attention. It’s all flashy moves. Photographs by Frankie Alduino The Look Book Goes to Senior Prom The Look Book Goes to the First Day of Preschool The Look Book Goes to the Battle of Brooklyn See All The Look Book Goes to a Lenape Powwow in Prospect Park Your product is saved! You’ll receive emails when your saved products go on sale. Manage preferences. Every product is independently selected by editors. Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission. The North Fork Chicken-Farm Fight Chinatown Residents Sue to Stop Manhattan Jail’s Late-Night Construction Developer Ziel Feldman Is Selling His Flashy Black-Marbled Triplex Penthouse How to Trick-or-Treat in the City The Midtown Office That’s Also a Leonard Bernstein Museum The North Fork Chicken-Farm Fight Chinatown Residents Sue to Stop Manhattan Jail’s Late-Night Construction How to Trick-or-Treat in the City Developer Ziel Feldman Is Selling His Flashy Black-Marbled Triplex Penthouse The Midtown Office That’s Also a Leonard Bernstein Museum