Archaeology Month: Indigenous Fishing Along the Kwenitekw
Celebrate Archaeology Month with DCR and learn about traditional Indigenous fishing practices along the Kwenitekw (Connecticut River). Participate in activities such as net weaving, photo opportunities with a mishoon (dugout canoe), and more. Free and open to all.
Self-Directed Learning
Discover the story of building a mishoon (dugout canoe) from a single white pine tree, a traditional craft passed down through generations. Follow Tylor, a member of the Cherokee Nation and Associate Director for Indigenous Education at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, as he recounts a decade-long search for the right tree and the collaborative process of carving, burning, and shaping it into a canoe. The video highlights the cultural, ecological, and historical significance of mishoonash, offering insight into Indigenous lifeways and the deep connection between Native peoples and the land.
How might the process of building a mishoon connect us to the history and traditions of Northeastern tribes?
Why is it important to carefully select the right tree for a mishoon, and what does that tell us about respecting natural resources?
What are some ways Indigenous communities today continue to share and preserve traditional knowledge through public events and hands-on teaching?
