Culture That Continues

A display of Native-made dreamcatchers at the Piscataway Conoy Indigenous People Festival.

Essential Question:

In what ways have Native cultures in Maryland persisted and evolved to the present day?

 

Native cultures did not disappear; they adapted and continued. Today, Native communities in Maryland keep traditions alive through language, music, dance, storytelling, and craftsmanship. In this section, you will see how cultural traditions have been passed down across generations and how they continue to evolve in the modern world.

One important way Native communities share and celebrate their culture today is through powwows. A powwow is a gathering where people come together to dance, sing, tell stories, and honor their traditions. Powwows are also opportunities to teach younger generations about their heritage and to share Native culture with the public.

Historically, many Native nations in Maryland—including the ancestors of the Piscataway Indian Nation, Piscataway Conoy Tribe, and Accohannock Indian Tribe—spoke languages belonging to the Algonkian language family. Although some of these languages were disrupted by colonization, many Native communities today are working to preserve and revitalize their languages to keep their cultures strong.

Examine the following three sources to learn about Indigenous cultural traditions practiced in Maryland. As you watch and listen, write down answers to the thinking questions for each source in your notebook.

Source 1: "Indigenous Peoples' Day" Video Clip

Watch the video and answer the following questions in your notebook:

  • Notice: What is one tradition or activity you saw members of the tribe doing?
  • Think: What does this tradition tell you about how Native culture has continued over time?
  • Connect: How does this video show that Native communities are still present in Maryland today?

Source 2: Interview with Cheryl Howard Doughty of the Pocomoke Indian Nation (4:18 audio clip)

Listen to the oral history clip and identify examples of traditions that have been passed down through generations.

  • List two traditions mentioned in this interview. How were these traditions passed from one generation to another?

Source 3: Piscataway Conoy Indigenous People Festival Video Clip

Watch the video and answer the following questions.

  • According to the speakers in the video, what is one reason powwows are important to Native communities today?
  • How do powwows help keep culture alive?