About

The Homelands PowWow is organized by a Massachusetts-registered nonprofit and 501(c)(3) charity. We are a private organization and do not speak for the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Council, nor do we claim to represent the Tribe officially. This event is a spiritual homecoming—one that generations of Tribal members were denied when gatherings like these were prohibited in their ancestral lands. The opportunity to return and dance in the Homelands is profoundly meaningful for many.

We invite all who wish to support and honor this historic return to join us in celebrating the resilience, culture, and enduring spirit of the Stockbridge-Munsee people.

Board of Directors

Ginger Stevens

Ginger Stevens, an enrolled member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans and Stockbridge-Munsee elder, felt a powerful homecoming during her 2022 visit to Massachusetts. A leader in cultural preservation, she chaired the Mohican Veterans Traditional PowWow Committee for 12 years and helped found the Mohican Veterans Association. A traditional dancer and seamstress, Ginger also participates in drum circles and peace councils, and helped envision the homecoming PowWow after Indigenous Peoples Day 2023.

Mark Church

Mark Church, an enrolled member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, is a 20-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran and accomplished musician, known for his work with the Native flute. Deeply engaged in the Mohican community, he actively supports cultural initiatives and veterans’ programs. Mark is also involved with the American Legion, where he contributes to honoring Indigenous excellence through the annual Eagle Vision Award.

Shawn Stevens

Shawn Stevens, an enrolled member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, is a cultural & historical educator, spiritualist, and storyteller. He serves on the Homelands Board of Directors as Chairperson, and has served on both the Tribal Language and Culture Committee and the Historic Preservation Committee and is a respected Mohican language scholar. Shawn is Co-Director of Red Road Reclamation, an Indigenous Native-Led Church and is a White Bison Mending Broken Hearts Facilitator, addressing intergenerational trauma. A ceremonial bundle carrier, herbalist, and internationally exhibited artist, Shawn shares ancestral wisdom as a traditional peacekeeper, drummer, and musician. His path weaves together Mohican history, language, and spiritual practice, offering pathways for cultural reconnection and community healing.

Grace Walsh

Grace Walsh, a Reiki Shamanism Master Teacher of Cherokee, Irish, and Welsh descent, left her IT career to focus on energy healing and spiritual teaching. A former Bear Dancer, she has led drum circles and retreats throughout New England. Her strong spiritual connection to the Berkshires led to her supporting Indigenous homecomings and ceremonies to welcome the Mohican people back to their lands.

Susan Jameson

Susan Jameson is a longtime event organizer and spiritual activist with over 40 years dedicated to peacebuilding and Indigenous advocacy. She co-produced the Rock, Rattle & Drum PowWow and led national initiatives like 11 Days of Global Unity. Known for producing culturally focused events, Susan has long supported Indigenous recognition and sees the Homelands PowWow as a sacred celebration of Mohican resilience.

Shannon Chada

Shannon Chada, is of family affiliation and raised within the Stockbridge‑Munsee Mohican community, descended from the Shawnee people of the Pekowi Division-Turtle Clan, she also carries Scottish/French ancestry of the McKee Clan, Welsh, and Acadian lineage. Shannon bridges relationships between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous communities, fostering peacemaking, cultural reclamation, and environmental stewardship. She is a Holistic Practitioner, Educator, Reiki Master Teacher (2000), Herbalist, Yoga & Meditation Instructor, and Aromatherapist. Shannon serves on the Homelands Board and holds a position as Communications Director, and is Co-Director of Red Road Reclamation an Indigenous Native-Led Church, and supports spiritual and cultural initiatives across Turtle Island. A sacred circle facilitator, peacemaker, women’s traditional dancer, and ceremony keeper, she also shares healing through music as a singer, chanter, musician, and songwriter. She is devoted to preserving Indigenous culture, empowering the Mohican people, and fostering unity through CommUnity Connection.