The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut has canceled Schemitzun, its annual powwow and festival.

Schemitzun is the largest tribal event on the East Coast, attracting thousands of dancers, drum groups, artisans and spectators. But the tribe said the cost of the four-day, late August event was too much to bear.

"Unfortunately, due to the current recession in the U.S. economy and in conjunction with cost-saving measures already underway throughout the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the Tribal Council has determined the need to cancel and/or postpone certain activities that are not considered essential in nature,” the tribe said in a letter, Indian Country Today reported.

The tribe said it plans to revive Schemitzun sometime in the future.

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Schemitzun canceled (Indian Country Today 6/8)