KENT – Native Americans
as well as those interested in learning about local history filled the
Putnam Veterans Memorial Park in Kent over the weekend for the county’s
18th annual Daniel Nimham Pow Wow.
Gil Tarbox leads the Nimham Mountain Singers during a spiritual
chant
Woman dance in traditional Native American garb
Humid weather conditions greeted large crowds, who learned from Gil “Crying
Hawk” Tarbox of Kent – a member of the Nimham Mountain Singers
– whose goal in life and love for his people drives him to educate
future generations about the last chief of the Wappingers Indians, Daniel
Nimham.
“Everyone living in these parts had a Wappinger Indian living in
his or her backyard,” Tarbox said. “In their heyday, Wappingers
numbered into the thousands but that was before the arrival of the Europeans.
As many as 8,000 warriors lived in these parts at one time.”
Tarbox, who relocated to Putnam County from Maine, said his ancestors
“hunted here, fished here and roamed the hills and dales. History
has always a tendency to repeat itself. As long as we are aware of our
history, hopefully the same mistakes won’t be made again. Americans cannot
be pushed from their homes. Space must always be respected.”
