Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

First Posted: 9/20/2013

PITTSTON — The communities of the Pittston area share a rich and diverse history, according to members of the Greater Pittston Cultural Coalition, a group that on Saturday showcased a bit of that history during the Greater Pittston Riverfest.

The fifth annual event was held in Riverfront Park. It offered attendees the chance to learn details about the ancient Native Americans who occupied the area from 10,000 B.C., said Keith Moss, the coalition’s vice president.

Event goers also learned about crafts such as soap, basket, arrowhead, gem and carpet making, learned about local archaeological artifacts, listened to live music, enjoyed food, vendors and various children’s activities.

“The festival highlights all of the unique attributes of the Pittston area,” Moss said.

The coalition tries to raise interest through the festival and other events throughout the year, all of which “promote and celebrate” the multi-ethnic culture and long history of the Pittston Area, he said.

Al Pesotine, a coalition member, added there is a “lack of awareness” among many area youth about the area’s history.

“The schools don’t focus on local history as much as they should,” Pesotine said. “The youth should appreciate the past struggles to understand why things are the way they are now. It was very tough back then. Neighbor knew neighbor and they relied on each other to survive,” he added.

Durland Siglan, a coalition member and member of the Mohawk Nation, organized participation from several members of the region’s Native American nations. They performed traditional songs and dances and talked about their ancestors’ lives in Northeast Pennsylvania.

“We tell our history in a way we know it,” he said. “We were not heathens. We built our whole society around our families and clans.”

Anyone wishing to volunteer with the coalition can contact Moss at 570-840-2501 or Joe Savokinas, the group’s president, at 570-883-2784.