(I am posting an article by Antoinette Pitcan (Promote West Africa) as she summarized the event beautifully. She also wrote a poem called Good Medicine which is included at the bottom of the article.)
The Meshanticut Cultural Placemaking Confestival, held in Providence, Rhode Island, from August 21-25, 2024, was a landmark event that brought together a diverse and passionate community of cultural practitioners, artists, and leaders. It reaffirmed the vital role of culture in building resilient, inclusive, and thriving communities.
Presented by the Federation of Aboriginal Nations of America (FANA) and supported by numerous sponsors that included: Providence Cultural Equity Initiative, Providence Public Library, Rhode Island Foundation, City of Providence Department of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging; Roger Williams University, Roger Williams University School of Law, Federation of Aboriginal Nations of the Americas, Project Peace Lights, Mount Hope Community Center, Grupos Ondas, Mashapaug Nahaganset Tribe, Cibuco-Bayamon Clan of the Taino Tribal Nation of Boriken, Real Access Motivates Progress and The Steel Yard. The event celebrated cultural heritage's essential role in fostering strong communities.
The Confestival’s impact will be felt for years to come as the lessons learned and connections made continue to inspire and guide efforts in cultural placemaking. As we move forward, the vision of this gathering will serve as a powerful reminder that culture is not just a reflection of who we are but a tool for shaping the future we want to create.
The Confestival’s mission to "advance the cultural placemaking sector and stimulate interest and investment in cultural placemaking as a premier strategy for promoting tourism and equitable economic development" was evident throughout the multi-day event. The curated lineup of presenters, interactive sessions, and immersive experiences explored and expanded the possibilities of cultural placemaking as a tool for sustainable community development.
Chief Ray "Two Hawks" Watson Esq., CEO and President of the Providence Cultural Equity Initiative (PCEI), and FANA’s Director General and a founding member, hosted the Confestival with symbolic pride, poise, and graciousness. His leadership set the tone for discussions on how cultural placemaking can serve as a catalyst for positive change in communities worldwide. Director General Chief Watson introduced the theme of "Good Medicine," which resonated throughout the event as a call to recognize the healing power of culture, art, and community engagement in building strong, resilient, and inclusive environments. Under his guidance, the conference became a vibrant tapestry of community, consciousness, and cultural exchange, deeply rooted in respect for tradition while embracing the possibilities of technological and societal innovation.
A notable session by SandHill Tribal Member Kevin Inglesby and Mr. Guadalupe Casas Acosta, FANA’s Ambassador to Mexico, focused on the complexity inherent in language and culture, with Casas Acosta introducing the Aztec Calendar and its modern-day relevance. Their presentations highlighted the connections between past and present, demonstrating how ancient wisdom informs contemporary cultural practices. Principal Chief Dr. Ronald Yonaguska Holloway of the SandHill Band of Lenape and Cherokee Indians, FANA’s Minister of International Affairs and UN Ambassador, along with a host of prominent game changers, were present.
The presenter and collaborator Dr. Silas Pinto, Director of the City of Providence Department of People and Culture, was an effective and engaging educator. A champion of cultural inclusivity and community empowerment, his work highlighted his unique ability to bridge traditional practices with contemporary needs, fostering a dynamic environment of cultural exchange and understanding. His impactful presentations, workshops, demonstrations, and performances provided deep insights into traditional ceremonies and practices, including those with Grupo Ondas.
These traditional elements were further brought to life through musical performances by the Pomham Medicine Singers, Lydia Pérez & the Yoruba 2 Afro Puerto Rican Ensemble, Grupo Ondas and Friends, and the Digital Ancient DubDub Step, curated by Don King. Together, these elements illuminated the conference's themes, engaging participants with Providence's rich history and cultural diversity, and underscoring the vital role of culture in healing and strengthening communities.
In addition to the forums’ presentations, the conference hosted the premiere of the film "Mountain Lion," directed by Brooklyn Demme and produced by SandHill Tribal Member and FANA’s Director of Visual Media, Norris War Turtle Branham. This film, along with special ensemble performances, encapsulated the spirit of the event, blending traditional and contemporary cultural expressions in a celebration of symbolic pride, resilience, and creativity.
The Meshanticut Cultural Placemaking Confestival was more than just a series of events; it was a catalyst for change. It brought together a diverse community of leaders, artists, and visionaries committed to using cultural placemaking as a tool for building vibrant, inclusive, and economically sustainable communities. The lessons learned and connections made during this conference will continue to inspire and guide efforts in the cultural placemaking sector for years to come.
As the final notes of the conference echoed through Providence, one thing was clear: the "Good Medicine" of cultural placemaking is a potent force for healing, unity, and progress. This confestival was a testament to the power of culture to bring people together, heal wounds, and build a better future.
The Meshanticut Cultural Placemaking Confestival was a powerful affirmation of FANA’s vision and mission, particularly its commitment to cultural placemaking as a strategic tool for tourism promotion and equitable economic development. The confestival highlighted the growing importance of cultural identity, preservation, and innovation in the rapidly evolving landscape of global communities. It served as a reminder that culture is not a static relic of the past but a dynamic and living force capable of shaping the future.
The event's focus on inclusivity and the representation of diverse voices enriched the dialogues and workshops, recognizing that true cultural placemaking must be rooted in the broad and diverse narratives of all community members. The integration of technology into cultural preservation and placemaking demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to cultural sustainability, aligning with FANA’s vision of harnessing modern resources to protect and promote cultural heritage.
The conference also emphasized the critical role of cultural placemaking in fostering economic resilience and community well-being, positioning culture as a cornerstone of economic development. Discussions and case studies illustrated how cultural placemaking initiatives have revitalized neighborhoods, created new economic opportunities, and strengthened social ties in communities worldwide.
The collaborative spirit that permeated the conference, coupled with a focus on intergenerational dialogue, was essential for the success of cultural placemaking initiatives. The event facilitated the exchange of knowledge between elders and younger generations, ensuring that cultural traditions remain relevant and dynamic.
The Meshanticut Cultural Placemaking Confestival set the stage for future initiatives that will continue to build on the momentum generated by this event. FANA, PCEI, and their partners are well-positioned to lead the way in advancing cultural placemaking as a key strategy for sustainable development. The conference provided a platform for sharing best practices and innovative ideas, establishing a network of committed individuals and organizations dedicated to this cause.
As we move forward, the message of "Good Medicine" will remain a guiding principle, reminding us that in our shared stories, traditions, and creative expressions, we find the strength to heal, build, and thrive. The Meshanticut Cultural Placemaking Confestival was a testament to the enduring power of culture and a blueprint for harnessing that power to create vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities for generations to come
Good Medicine
By AP.
In the quiet dawn, where the earth meets the sky,
The eagle soars, with vision sharp and high.
Feathers whisper secrets of the sacred winds,
Carrying prayers to where the spirit begins.
Under the ancient oak, where the roots run deep,
The bear stands strong, in the wisdom it keeps.
Strength in its paws, yet gentle is its heart,
Guardian of the land, in every part.
The wolf howls beneath the silver moon,
Calling to the ancestors, in an ancient tune.
A symbol of loyalty, of family, and pack,
Guiding lost souls on their way back.
The turtle moves with the earth’s steady grace,
A symbol of endurance, in life’s endless race.
On its back, the world’s stories it bears,
A testament to patience, to those who care.
The fire dances in the circle of stone,
Its flames speak of life, where seeds are sown.
Cleansing the soul, warming the night,
Good Medicine in every flicker of light.
In the smoke that rises, in the drum’s deep beat,
The heart of the people finds its true seat.
For in these symbols, in the earth and the sky,
Good Medicine lives, and will never die
