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AAECF, Inc. Celebrates a New Chapter!
OFFICIAL REBRANDING & SIGN UNVEILING CEREMONY
In Conjunction With Our 4th Annual Native American History Month All Year Round Program – (A special Celebration in honor of Native American History Month)
“SHE CARRIES THE NATION”
Honoring the Strength, Stories & Legacy of Native Women
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Riverhead Free Library
330 Court Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
A New Name. An Expanded Mission. A Celebration of Our Ancestors and Our Future!
The Board of Directors of AAECF, Inc. cordially invites members of the press, elected officials, community leaders, Tribal Nations, cultural organizations, educators, families, and the public to join us for a historic celebration as we officially unveil our organization’s new name and signage:
ANCESTRAL ARTS, EDUCATION & CULTURAL FOUNDATION, INC. (AAECF, Inc.)
New Name. Expanded Mission. Same Commitment to Community!
Together, We Honor Our Ancestors, Celebrate Our Cultures, and Inspire Future Generations.
This milestone represents an exciting new chapter in our organization’s 30-year history, reflecting our expanded commitment to ancestral arts, education, cultural preservation, workforce development, and community empowerment.
FEATURED KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Bella Noka
Elder & Activist, Narragansett Tribal Nation
Bella Noka will deliver an inspiring keynote honoring the strength, resilience, wisdom, and enduring contributions of Indigenous women.
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
Josephine Smith
Elder & Educator, Shinnecock Tribal Nation
DISTINGUISHED INDIGENOUS WOMEN SPEAKERS
- MaryRose Morigeau — Bitterroot Salish, enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), Montana.
- Attorney Taylor Dumpson — Narragansett Indian Tribe; advocate for justice, civil rights, and sovereignty.
- Darlene Bruce Spencer (Rainbow Warrior) — Wolf Clan Mother, Pokanoket Tribe; Tribal Council member, singer-songwriter, artisan, herbalist, and author.
These remarkable women will share ancestral wisdom, cultural traditions, leadership experiences, and powerful stories highlighting the vital roles Indigenous women play in preserving their Nations, protecting their heritage, and inspiring future generations.
SPECIAL CULTURAL PRESENTATION
Taíno Heritage & Cultural Presentation
Presented by Nilda Mencia
An educational presentation celebrating Taíno history, ancestral traditions, cultural identity, and the enduring legacy of the Indigenous peoples of the United States & the Caribbean.
TRIBAL REPRESENTATION & CULTURAL CELEBRATION
Our program celebrates the diversity and strength of Indigenous Nations, with representation from the Shinnecock, Unkechaug, Pokanoket, Narragansett, Bitterroot Salish/Confederated Salish and Kootenai, and Taíno communities, among others for one night on the Corchaug Territory
Guests will experience traditional singing, drumming, dancing, storytelling, cultural education, and opportunities to engage with Indigenous community members.
INDIGENOUS WOMEN ARTISANS & HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE
“She Who Creates Sacred Pieces”
Meet talented Indigenous women artisans showcasing handcrafted jewelry, beadwork, traditional crafts, artwork, and culturally inspired creations.
Support Indigenous women-owned businesses while discovering meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts just in time for the holiday season.
A TASTE OF INDIGENOUS TRADITIONS
Guests will have an opportunity to sample traditional Indigenous foods, celebrating ancestral foodways, cultural knowledge, and the importance of preserving culinary traditions across generations.
A CELEBRATION FOR ALL GENERATIONS
This FREE educational and cultural experience welcomes Indigenous and non-Indigenous families, youth, elders, educators, and supporters throughout Long Island and beyond.
Come witness history in the making as AAECF, Inc. honors its past, celebrates its new identity, and continues building bridges of cultural understanding and unity.
FREE ADMISSION | OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
CAN’T MAKE IT IN PERSON? JOIN US VIRTUALLY! 
Register to watch our LIVE WEBINAR and consider making a donation of any amount to help offset the costs of bringing these special educational and cultural events to our communities.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 884 1652 8463
Passcode: 222080
Every contribution makes a difference! Your generosity helps AAECF, Inc. continue celebrating, preserving, and sharing our rich ancestral history, arts, education, and culture.
Register, Donate & Celebrate With Us!
Many ways to Donate:
https://www.aaecfinc.org/
https://www.aaecfinc.org/
