The Wampanoag community has suffered great losses to addiction, suicide, and murder and is addressing this by sharing this healing ceremony. Bringing attention to the lack of access to mental and emotional health resources is an important step to gaining the support that at-risk individuals and loved ones need to overcome emotional traumas that are so prevalent in Indigenous communities. This usage of the stomp dance is to provide a missing spiritual component that most providers wouldn’t be culturally inclined to do.

Through this, we will dance among our ancestors for additional spiritual support, guidance, and connection. This is a time of remembrance to those who have passed and are still here. We want to keep their stories alive, to understand their journey, and find new ways to support those who were or are currently impacted by what is or was happening. Together, we will create a safe space, redefine what strength means, and unleash the power in vulnerability.

We are extending this invitation to all tribes and all people, near and far, to send stomp dancers and participate in Stomp Day - A Day Of Healing. Help us create this healing path to memorialize all of those touched by addiction, suicide, abuse, and murder by etching this path that symbolizes the healing of Mother Earth. Bring your stomp traditions, your dancers, your rattles, your water drums, your songs, stories, and prayers. Let us remember, laugh, cry, and heal together. Become a part of this healing event.

The remaining path was designed by Mashpee Wampanoag Artist Robert Peters to represent healing for All Of US.