#Newsflash | Native American Social in Flushing on Saturday
BY QEDC It's In Queens
It’s an afternoon of art, dancing, drumming, singing, and story-sharing to build community.
Flushing Town Hall hosts a Native American Social on Saturday, Dec. 3, starting at noon.
Back after a Covid-induced, two-year break, this annual event will feature art for sale (or perusal) from members of local tribes, including Tecumseh Ceasar, a Queens-bred quahog clam shell (wampum) carver.
Ginew Benton, a filmmaker who was born in Ojibwe territory in Canada, but moved to Long Island’s Shinnecock Reservation as a child, will join forces with the Shinnecock-based Young Blood Singers to offer a drumming spectacle.
Then the women’s acapella group Ulali, whose sound mixes indigenous Pre-Blues and Gospel with pre-Columbian music, will perform. Expect an inspiring show by Jennifer Kreisberg, who’s known for fierce vocals, soaring range, and lilting, breath-taking harmonies.
“Covid hit the Indigenous community particularly hard and sadly many elders and tribal leaders passed away,” stated Flushing Town Hall Director of Education and Public Programs Gabrielle M. Hamilton. “We dedicate our third annual Native American Social to the legacy of those we lost; and hope our art, songs, and dances will honor them.”
Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 for children and $10 for adults. Flushing Town Hall is at 137-35 Northern Blvd.
Native Tec, Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio, and Niamuck Land Trust are co-organizers of Native American Social. Here’s a primer on some of the scheduled artists.
Tecumseh Ceaser, the wampum carver, is a cultural consultant of the Matinecock Turkey, Montaukett, Metoac, and Unkechaug tribes.
Shinnecock member Shane Weeks is an artist, author, traditional dancer, traditional drummer, hunter, fisherman, cultural consultant, and educator.
Jennifer Kreisberg, who’s of Tuscarora ancestry, comes from four generations of Seven Singing Sisters.
Shinnecock member Jeremy Dennis is a contemporary fine art photographer whose work explores indigenous identity, culture, and assimilation.
Rudy Lazzaro is a jewelry designer whose Bolivian heritage is the foundation of his work. Upon arriving in the United States as a teenager, he worked in Manhattan’s Diamond District for more than 20 years. Now he crafts in his New Jersey studio.
Chenae Bullock is a Shinnecock member and Montauk descendant who’s also known as Netooeusqua or “Butterfly Woman.” She’s a community leader, water protector, cultural preservationist, Indigenous perspective historian, and humanitarian.
Image: Native American Social