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Contact: Aleutia Scott, 508-487-1256
WELLFLEET, Mass— Cape Cod National Seashore is excited to partner with Truro Historical Society for a community-wide celebration of the completion of the wetu, a traditional Wampanoag dwelling, on Saturday, June 3 at 10 am at the Highland House in Truro.
The celebration will include a performance by the Wampanoag Singers and Dancers, the Eastern Sun Drummers, and speeches from various stakeholders - from a representative of the Truro Selectmen to the indigenous artist Linda Coombs. There will be native arts and crafts alongside the museum, and cultural demonstrations for the whole family such as fish net tying, corn husk doll creation, and the indigenous game Hubbub. The Highland House Museum will be open and free to the public during the celebration.
Superintendent Brian Carlstrom expressed, "The completion of the wetu enhances interpretation of lands stewardship on Cape Cod, highlighting that the People of the First Light are and always will be active participants in sharing our history.”
The wetu was built by Annawon Weeden, Wampanoag artist, performer, and Director of the First Light Foundation, with the help of Truro Schools students and the blessing of Mashpee Wampanoag spiritual leaders.
Annawon shared, “This project represents our tribe recognizing a home where these wetu poles intersect, where our lineages and our generations intersect here on this land.”
The Truro Historical Society secured funding for the project from the Truro Historical Commission, the Mass Cultural Council, and Friends of Cape Cod National Seashore. The society plans to use the wetu in future years for educational programming and shared events.
Truro Historical Society Vice President Helen McNeil-Ashton said, “The Truro wetu will be a real and symbolic presence that honors the indigenous people of the Wampanoag Nation, who have been stewards of this land for thousands of years.”
To learn more information on the program or the presenters, please visit: https://nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
Last updated: May 16, 2023