KDH writer Courtney Bissonette beat the drum at the 65th Shinnecock Powwow in Southampton on Little Church Road, at the Shinnecock Reservation. Check out her KDH Diary of the day and amazing photos below:

Tribes of families and friends came to support the Shinnecock nation and found themselves spellbound by the passion and pride the natives put in their culture. Walking around the reservation every garb is more eccentric than the next, making you feel compelled to wear an Indian relic as well. Luckily there were over 40 booths that sell vast items from single hair feathers to chief headdresses, genuine leather bags, shoes, clothing, fur, bone necklaces and countless other items to make you feel a part of the festival. However the most captivating part of the powwow are the songs and dances put on by the hard working tribes. The shows include dance contests and groups such as Tlacopan Aztec, Tenochtitlan, Shinnecock, and Thunderbird dancers. “I come every year to support the tribes” said a dedicated onlooker. The Shinnecock Powwow is a totally different way to experience a weekend in the Hamptons, and a great time to ask the chief for an Indian summer!

*For more information and ways that you can support The Shinnecock Nation please visit  http://www.shinnecocknation.org/