Members of the Sutherland Pipe Band perform Scottish & Irish tunes
(Photos by Maureen L. Sullivan)
On Saturday, Aug. 22, old and young alike celebrated the town’s diversity with the annual Multicultural Day on the Common, sponsored by the Natick Center Cultural District.
Several vendors offered food and gift items, including Mexican, Indian and Romanian fare. Entertainment ranged from the Sutherland Pipe Band to a saree fashion show and Bollywood dances. Other participants included Mindfulness Connections Services, Natick 180, Natick for Black Lives Matter Metrowest, Natick Is United, No Stones Thrown Counseling Services, SPARK Kindness, “Storm Family” from Jamaica and the Walnut Hill School for the Arts.
After showing their sarees for a fashion show, these women showed their dance moves
Multicultural Day attendees could get a taste of Romania, courtesy of
Anokh, the Association for Romanians in New England.
Families were encouraged to pick up passports at the NCCD’s booth; they could then visit each booth to get the passports stamped.
The town’s Fire Department (with Louie the comfort/therapy dog, of course) was also on hand to give away decals and plastic helmets.
Members of the town’s Fire Department
Members of the Massachusett Natick Ponakpoag and Nashoba Praying Indians began the celebration with singing in the Massachusett Natick language.
Multicultural Day “was near and dear to my mother’s heart,” said Carmen Fortes (White Dove), the daughter of the late Caring Hands, who served as the group’s grand squaw, sachem silva and clan mother.
Carmen Fortes (White Dove), left, leads a performance of songs in the language of the
Massachusett Natick language
The group is celebrating the 375 th anniversary of the establishment of Natick as the first Praying Indian community. They will host their annual Powwow on Sept. 26 at Cochituate State Park. The park gates will open at 10 a.m., followed by the Grand Entry at noon. The event will feature
drumming, singing, dancing, storytelling, vendors and more.
“It’s a big year for us,” said White Dove.
Admission is free. For information, go to www.NatickPowwow.org, or www.MassachusettNatickPrayingIndians.org.
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