Talks + Tours

Saunksquas, Sassafras, and Moccasins: Walking Tour with Oleana Whispering Dove

When

Mon, Oct 12, 2026 1:00PM – 2:00PM

Where

Meet at the Perkins Visitor Center

Price

Free, and admission to the grounds is free this holiday

Join Oleana Whispering Dove for a walking tour on the Wave Hill Grounds, highlighting the rich legacy of the region’s Indigenous Saunksquas and the profound impact of these women throughout history.

This tour reflects on historical imprint of known figures like Sojourner Truth, Maya Angelou, Condoleezza Rice, Susan B. Anthony, Matilda Cage, Lucretia Mott, and Gloria Steinem with earlier unsung female leaders known as Saunk Squa’s; Mama Nuchwe, Dostou, Wastawancett, Lyssie, Annetie Pownock. These Native American women held the highest-ranking leadership roles in their communities and were honored by European settlers with titles like Her Royal Majesty, The King’s Queen, and Indian Princess—recognizing their powerful status and influence as they played a pivotal role in governing their regional tribes, leading land negotiations, and signing land treaties.

Walks follow a route along mixed-material pathways with varying elevations. A limited amount of walking sticks are available to borrow. Pace varies from a slow walk to moderate walk throughout.

Oleana Whispering Dove

Oleana Whispering Dove

Oleana has worked as a museum professional for over 20 years and now curates Native American programs, spotlighting Traditional and Contemporary Indigenous Artists. Oleana is Smithsonian Museum-trained in Lenape Indigenous history and fulfills public speaking engagements on the topics of traditional herbalism and Historic Native American Women Chiefs, which reflects her Indigenous heritage as a Tsalagi-Algonquian Native American descendant.
Undeterred by social injustice during a global pandemic, Oleana accepted the role as an Associate Producer of the short film titled "Silent Tribute," produced by Rainy Film & Media that memorializes George Floyd and the Murdered, Missing Indigenous Women and Girls on Native American Reservations. Her ongoing and ardent contribution of Indigenous cultural programming and as an annual United Nations Indigenous Forum participant broadens her ability to engage and interface with corporate and cultural institution.