ASHFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Town of Ashfield has received a Massachusetts Cultural Council grant to support a Mishoon burn, a traditional dugout single tree canoe shaped using fire.

The event is led by the local organization No Loose Braids, Inc. in collaboration with the Town and planned in conjunction with the boat parade scheduled for this September to “recognize Indigenous history, honor Native American communities as the original stewards of these lands and waters, and support cultural revitalization”, according to town officials.

The indigenous traditional event will take place Friday May 1st through Sunday, May 3rd at Ashfield’s Belding Memorial Park.

There will be a Park Commission meeting on February 12th to discuss the details of the event further.