Next weekend, Mahwah’s Ramapough Lenape Nation will help put on a festival that leaders say has been happening for hundreds of years.

“We have been doing seasonal festivals for over 400 years,” Chief Vinny Mann said. About 30 years ago, the tribe resurrected the celebration, creating the annual ‘Native American Festival,’ he said.

Next Saturday and Sunday, Sally’s Field in Ringwood State Park will be transformed into a traditional tribal celebration.

According to Mann, “People can expect Native dancing, native foods, and native art and are also welcome to participate in some of the dance's to include a children's candy dance. There will also be native drumming and possibly a flutist.”

The event is open to the general public both days.

Mann said he encourages people of all ethnic backgrounds to attend this cultural experience. 

“It’s important for the general public to attend these pow wows so they may see we are still here and we walk amongst them every day,” he said. The pow wows also helps locals learn more about “our culture and our ways.”

Get more information on the festival in the attached flier.

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