From Earth to Sea -Come Join the Fun! Clambake, Native American Dancing and A Silent Auction!

Every September the Institute for American Indian Studies hosts an al fresco traditional clambake, called From Earth to Sea. This year the clambake will be held on Saturday, September 11th, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Riverwalk Pavilion on 11a School Street in Washington Depot. There will be plenty of socially distanced tables set under a large open-air pavilion in a beautiful park setting.

This annual event honors the founders of the museum and celebrates Connecticut's Indigenous people and the bounty harvested from our fields and waterways. A new highlight this year is the Silent Auction that is taking place as part of the fun. Auction items will be on display and guests can bid on them during the event. Auction items include gift certificates from local restaurants and shops, plus beautiful Native-made jewelry, baskets, and more.

In addition to a delicious lobster dinner served with all the fixings - corn, clams, and potatoes guests are in for a special treat - a riveting performance by the highly esteemed Thunderbird American Indian Dancers. The dance troupe was founded in 1963 and is the oldest resident Native American dance company in New York.  Their mission is to preserve dances, songs, and traditions that might have otherwise been lost. They have toured across the United States, as well as internationally in Japan, Canada, and Israel in order to bring a greater understanding of American Indian people through dance. Guests will be regaled with stories, dances, traditional drumming, singing, and colorful regalia that celebrate the diversity of Native American culture in the United States.

Tickets are limited and pre-registration is required by September 9th. To register, click here. The cost of the traditional clambake dinner including dancing and drumming by the Thunderbird Dancers is $50 for IAIS Members and $55 for non-members. There is a special price for children and non-seafood eaters of $10 and that meal consists of hot dogs, chips, and lemonade. The proceeds from this event will go toward the education department to support schools' indigenous curriculum through the Institute's programs.