PEOPLE OF THE FIRST LIGHT: THE MASHPEE WAMPANOAGS (TV)
Summary
One in this documentary series about Native American
Indians of southern New England. This edition looks at
the Wampanoag tribe of Mashpee, Massachusetts, the
original inhabitants of much of Cape Cod. Vernon
Pocknit, a lifelong resident of the town, travels along
the shoreline, pointing out the destruction of wildlife
and wildlife habitats resulting from increased human
habitation in the area. Pocknit is involved in the
preservation of the traditions of his forefathers; he
stresses the importance of seafood to the tribe by
teaching Wampanoag children the art of preserving
herring for smoking and the technique of locating and
capturing quahogs. Bill Peters, another Wampanoag,
faces the challenge of diminished fishing waters with an
aqua farm, where he demonstrates the process of
cultivating, planting, and harvesting quahogs. Next,
the culmination of the annual Mashpee powwow, the
clambake, is shown, featuring the traditional process of
steaming huge quantities of seafood in a large stone
pit. John Peters, a Wampanoag medicine man, discusses
his role as religious leader; he notes that he sees many
similarities between his religion and Christianity as
both are based on love and respect. He also examines
dance as a method of prayer and stresses the importance
of a balance in nature and the cycle of life.
Cataloging of this program was made possible by the
Corporation for Public Broadcasting, 2000.
Details
- NETWORK: WGBY-TV (Springfield, MA) / PBS
- DATE: November 30, 1984
- RUNNING TIME: 0:28:59
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:60999
- GENRE: Public affairs/Documentaries
- SUBJECT HEADING: Cape Cod (Mass.); Indians of North America - New England; Wampanoag Indians; Indigenous Peoples Collection
- SERIES RUN: WGBY-TV (Springfield, MA), TV Series
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Dan Kain … Executive Producer
- Glenn Suprenard … Producer
- Russell Peters … Director
- Peter Toohil … Animation
- Steve Charleston … Narrator
- Bill Peters
- John Peters
- Pocknit, Vernon (audio i.d. only)