Inwood Hill Park

Parks Hosts Drums Along The Hudson At Inwood Hill Park

IMMEDIATE
Saturday, May 3, 2008
No. 43
http://www.nyc.gov/parks

Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe celebrated "Drums Along the Hudson," an annual Native American festival at Inwood Hill Park with Mohawk Elder Tom Porter and WABC-TV Weekend Anchor Sandra Bookman. They honored Mohawk Chief Jake Swamp, the founder of the Tree of Peace Society, and Xernona Clayton, President and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, with awards for their contributions to the environment and society.

"Drums Along the Hudson is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Native American culture and enjoy diversity in a woodland setting that is almost unchanged since Native Americans lived there," said Commissioner Benepe. "Groups from all over the world celebrate their cultures in parks and we are delighted to host this event at Inwood Hill Park again this year."

"Drums Along the Hudson and Shad Fest" celebrates the spirit of the drum that is the heart, culture and tradition of the Native American people. The event included exhibits of world dance and drumming traditions as well as international foods and Native American arts and crafts. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in only open air powwow in Manhattan, which is a celebratory gathering of Native people.

This year's powwow was led by Louis Mofsie and the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers with special guests from Bermuda - the St. David's Island Indians and the Warwick Gombey Troupe. Other featured performers included the Mohawk Singers and Dancers, Harambee Dance Company, Trinayan (Odissi dancers) and Carioca Capoeira as well as other indigenous and international artists.

"Drums Along the Hudson" was sponsored in part by Lotus Music & Dance, JPMorgan Chase, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, NYC Parks & Recreation, Hudson River Foundation and WABC-TV.