Oleana Whispering Dove, a Tsalagi-Algonquian descendant with two decades of museum experience, tells the stories of Saunksquas such as Mama Nuchwe, Dostou and Wastawancett, women who held top leadership roles and negotiated treaties with European settlers long before Sojourner Truth or Susan B. Anthony. Wave Hill waives grounds admission for the holiday. If you want Indigenous Peoples' Day to mean something, walk this one.
What to expect
An hour-long walk over mixed paths with some elevation, starting at the Perkins Visitor Center, with views over the Hudson and the Palisades. Walking sticks are available to borrow. Along the route, she contrasts well-known women's rights figures with earlier Indigenous leaders who held the highest roles in their communities.
Good to know
- Metro-North's Hudson Line to Riverdale is the closest train; check Wave Hill's site for shuttle options.
- Registration is required through Wave Hill's online system.
- Grounds admission is free on this holiday.
- Paths are mixed-material with elevation changes; loaner walking sticks are available.
- Stay for Wave Hill's other Indigenous Peoples' weekend family programs.
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Common questions
What is a Saunksqua?
A term for an Indigenous woman chief; the tour covers leaders like Mama Nuchwe, Dostou and Wastawancett.
Does the Wave Hill walking tour cost anything?
No, the tour is free and grounds admission is free that day; registration is required.
