If you’ve passed by the Little Mystic Boat Slip in Charlestown recently, you may have noticed a burning canoe, or a mishoon.
The smoldering mishoon is part of an Indigenous ceremony that was performed in Boston on Oct. 31 for the first time in centuries.
Andre Strongbearheart Gaines from the Nipmuc Tribe + Thomas Green from the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag led the efforts, and a $20,000 grant from Omsted Now helped make the experience possible.
Curious about the tradition? Check out this interview with the project leaders + visit the boat slip on Terminal Street to speak with tribe members, who will be on site to educate the public.
The canoe will be available for viewing through ~Sunday, Nov. 13.