Biography

Annawon Weeden (Mashpee Wampanoag/Pequot/Narragansett) was born and raised in his father’s Tribal community of Charlestown Rhode Island learning the history of his Narragansett/Pequot lineage.  He eventually made his home in his mother’s Wampanoag community located in Mashpee, MA.

Following in his father's footsteps, Annawon began sharing the culture of his tribes along with his family during public programs/performances at a very young age.  As an adult, Annawon's passion for preserving the culture has been made clear throughout decades spent working at institutions such as Plimoth Plantation (Plimoth Patuxet), Boston Children's Museum, and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s Cultural Resource Department in CT as a Cultural Instructor.  Currently self-employed visiting schools, colleges, museums, libraries, birthdays and more, Annawon has found many creative ways to educate any audience.

On stage or in the classroom, his ability to share his Tribal culture has been sought after by world renowned institutions. Having appeared at prestigious venues such as Smithsonian, National Geographic, Scholastic, PBS, History/Discovery Channel, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Harvard University, Tennessee Tech & many more. In addition, his cultural expertise has been called upon by such international government agencies as: Bermuda Ministry of Cultural Affairs, U.S. National Park Service & most recently his Congressional honor as culture & arts bearer for the region as well as many corporate, educational and environmental organizations.

In addition to speaking on numerous topics, Annawon also provides cultural services such as musical performances, outdoor exhibits, professional development, and consultation.

All of his work falls under the umbrella of his organization, the First Light Foundation.  Please CLICK HERE for fees, availability, and scheduling.