
The Ojibwe people thought thunderbirds live in the four cardinal directions and come to their area every spring. However, they not only protect humans, but thunderbirds were also thought to be instruments of punishment for humans who commit moral crimes. The Ojibwe tribe myths tell the story of thunderbirds as creations of their culture hero, Nanabozho, to deal with the underwater spirits.The only way to identify thunderbirds are by their ability to speak backwards. The Shawnee tribe feared thunderbirds are shapeshifters who appear in the form of little boys to interact with people.The Lakota Sioux meanwhile believed that a thunderbird appearing in one’s dream meant that that person would become some sort of a sacred clown called heyoka, who is deemed to be unconventional compared to the community standard.

This indigenous tribe also believes that thunderbirds are the messengers of the Great Sun and are enemies of the so-called Misikinubik or great horned snakes, who aim to devour the entire planet. For them, thunderbirds control the rainy and cold weather, and enjoy a good battle and display incredible feats of strength.


The Thunderbirds pledged to help preserve and perpetuate the culture and traditions of the American Indian people through their songs and dances, and ceremonies and to bring before the general public a more realistic picture and greater understanding of the American Indian people. They founded the troupe to keep alive the traditions, songs and dances they had learned from their parents, and added to their repertoire from other Native Americans living in New York. The founders were “first generation,” meaning that their parents had been born on reservations. The troupe was founded in 1963 by a group of ten Native American men and women, all New Yorkers, who were descended from Mohawk, Hopi, Winnebago and San Blas tribes. The Thunderbird American Indian Dancers are the oldest resident Native American dance company in New York. Performance Area requires tickets: $15 $10 (ages 4-11) In autumn, the bountiful summer harvest is celebrated and thanks is given through song and dance, reflecting a reverence and appreciation for the wonderful things we find in nature. This event also features a Native American Craft & Food Market with authentic art, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and more.

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The dancers will perform in full regalia and each dance’s origins are explained. Autumn Dance Celebration showcases a variety of Native American dances outdoors at Queens Farm performed by representatives of eight Indian Nations. Celebrate American Indian Culture through music and dance! Among many Native American tribes, it is a tradition to celebrate and give thanks in autumn for the bountiful summer harvest.
