Welcome to the NOON e-newsletter for October 2024.
Enjoy, and please share widely!
LandBack Gains Momentum from Coast to Coast
As we celebrate the final step in the return of over 1,000 acres to the Onondaga Nation, the largest LandBack action in New York State, we look west to LandBack successes on the other coast.
The following article comes from the Center for the Study of Political Graphics, the largest archive of progressive political posters in the US.
To commemorate Indigenous People’s Day, we memorialize the land struggle around the 257-mile-long Klamath River, which crosses the U.S.-made border between California and Oregon. The Klamath River has ties to several Indigenous nations that were devastated and terrorized by the invasion of prospectors and settlers during the California Gold Rush (1848–1855).
In the 1910s, the land around the Klamath River was seized by eminent domain, and the river became the site of several hydroelectric dams, blocking salmon from their habitat and creating dangerous toxic algae blooms. The Yurok, Karuk, and Hupa tribes fought for the removal of the dams. As a result of their hard work, the largest dam removal project in U.S. history concluded this past August in the Klamath River.
“The Klamath is significant not only because it is the biggest dam removal and river restoration effort in history, but because it shows that we can right historic wrongs and make big, bold dreams a reality for our rivers and communities.”
— Dr. Ann Willis, California Director, American Rivers.
Also during this past summer, the State of California returned over 2,800 acres of land near the Klamath river back to the Shasta Indian nation. It is one of the largest land returns in California history.
Further south, in the Central Coast, the U.S. government officially designated the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary earlier this week. It is the first Tribal-nominated national marine sanctuary, and it will be co-stewarded with the Chumash tribal government. This move will protect ecologically and culturally significant waters and stands to benefit everyone in the area. All of these achievements are important progress, yet there are still many others fighting to get their land and water rights back.
— Indigenous Action Media, “Uprooting Colonialism: The Limitations of Indigenous People’s Day,” 2017.
These victories stand as a reminder that celebrations and acknowledgments of Indigenous peoples need to be followed through with action. A holiday is not the end goal!
CSPG’s Poster of the Week is by Annelia Hillman (Yurok), a mother, activist, artist, gatherer, weaver and teacher. She is a member of the Un-Dam the Klamath Movement, organizer for the annual Salmon Run, and works for the Yurok Tribe Environmental Department.
References:
Klamath River Flows Freely Again After Crews Take Down Last Dam | Democracy Now
The Largest Dam Removal in History | LA Times
Biden Administration Designates New Marine Sanctuary Along California Coast | Times of San Diego
2,800 Acres of Ancestral Homelands Returned to Shasta Indian Nation | Shasta Indian Nation
California returns more than 2,800 acres of land to Shasta Indian Nation | ABC 7 News
Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
Uprooting Colonialism: The Limitations of Indigenous People’s Day| Indigenous Action
The Klamath Dam Removals | American Rivers
Action of the Month
Return Maple Bay to the Onondaga Nation
The Onondaga Nation has pushed for the return of land along sacred Onondaga Lake for many decades. The American Indian Law Alliance recently initiated a campaign to restart advocacy to correct some measure of this historic injustice.
Please take a few minutes to send a postcard to
Onondaga County Executive, J. Ryan McMahon
Postcard Sample Language (Feel free to adapt)
Dear County Executive McMahon:
I urge you to deliver on Onondaga County’s 2011 commitment to return land on the shore of Onondaga Lake to the Onondaga Nation. The lake needs serious attention and care, and the Onondaga Nation has a rightful role in caring for this land that has been their ancestral home for thousands of years.
Please do the right thing, by the lake, and by the people, and return Maple Bay. The Thanksgiving holidays offer a great time to fulfill this overdue promise.
Respectfully,
Your name
Address to: County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II
421 Montgomery St 14th Fl.
Syracuse, NY 13202
If you’re unable to send a postcard, you can send an online message here.
Upcoming Events
Porcupine Quill Embroidery Workshop with Seneca artist Jamie Jacobs
Saturday & Sunday, October 26-27, 10 AM – 5 PM
Iroquois Museum, 324 Caverns Rd, Howes Cave, NY 12092
When this master artisan demonstrated his award-winning quillwork in 2022 many of our visitors asked to learn this exquisite and rarely practiced art form. This is a two-day class and includes all materials. This is a very special opportunity with a limited number of participants. Last year’s workshop filled with a waiting list so you’ll want to sign up early.
Class size – Min. 10. Max 12. Cost: $75 members/$85 non members
Corn Husking Bee
Saturday & Sunday, October 26-27, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Ganondagan White Corn Project, 7191 Co Rd 41, Victor, NY 14564
It’s time for our annual Husking Bee of White Corn at Ganondagan! We need volunteer huskers to remove a portion of the husk and prepare the white corn for braiding.
Our husking bee takes place in the barn at the Ganondagan White Corn Project. Please dress according to the weather, as the barn is not temperature controlled and the seating is on hay bales. It is helpful if you bring your own utility knife and loppers if you have them (to cut away excess stalk); we have some to share but it is handy to have your own.
We will be providing a White Corn lunch 12 pm – 2 pm for any volunteer who wants to eat.
Helpful things to bring: Warm clothing, gloves, utility knife, loppers, water bottle/thermos, a chair if you need a seat with a back.
Register at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090445A9AD23A5F85-52106916-husking#/
E-YAH-PAH-HAH: Honoring Indigenous Peoples
Sunday, October 27, 3 – 4:30 PM
Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan State Historic Site, 7000 County Road 41 (Boughton Hill Road) Victor, NY 14564
The E-Yah-Pah-Hah Wind Quintet & Daystar Contemporary Dance of Indian America will be presenting a concert. Included will be two world premieres. The Quintet will be premiering a piece by Dr. Charles Shadle called “Postcards of Native America”. Daystar Dance Company will be premiering a dance series to the music of Joanne Shenandoah.
Included in the program will be guest dancer Daniel Fetecua, long time member of José Simon Company. Daniel will be presenting two of his solo works.
Concert funded by the Cady Grant and CONAM Grant from the United Methodists of Upper New York
Indigenous Innovations – Ecosystem Equilibrium Demo
Throughout November, 2 – 2:30 PM – https://www.most.org/visit/events/
Museum of Science and Technology, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse
Explore the work of oceanographer Dr. Darcie Little Badger and discover the impact a single species can have on its ecosystem. Free with admission!!
Witness to Injustice Blanket Exercise: Unraveling U.S. and Indigenous History
Friday, November 15, 10 AM – 12:30 PM
Bird Library, Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, 222 Waverly Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210, Syracuse University
A unique 2 1/2-hour interactive group teaching tool using participatory education to share the disturbing history of what Indigenous Peoples have experienced through colonization. The program seeks to foster truth, understanding, and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the part of the world now known as the United States; especially in the territory stewarded by people of the Onondaga Nation and other Haudenosaunee peoples. Learn more here.
Native American Arts & Heritage Festival
November 16, 2024, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Museum of Science and Technology, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse
Presented by Honest Engine Films
Opening Thanksgiving Address, Native Arts & Crafts Festival, Dance Exhibition, Smoke Dance Competition and Fashion Showcase with Designer Emma Shenandoah.
Celebrating Historic Onondaga Land Return Event & Fundraiser for Land Care
Wednesday, November 20, 6 – 8:30 PM
NY Society for Ethical Culture, 2 W 64th St, New York, NY 10023
Join members of the Onondaga Nation for a talk and screening of “The Good Mind” to benefit the Onondaga Nation Volunteer Fire Department. The award-winning film by Gwendolen Cates chronicles the story of the Onondaga Nation’s fight to preserve their relationships to the land of their ancestors, amid vast environmental degradation and treaty violations by New York State lawmakers.
Appetizers and seltzers will be served. Doors open at 6pm and program begins at 6:30pm. Support: https://givebutter.com/ONVFD-benefit
The Third Native Made Market (Save The Date)
Saturday, November 30
High Falls, overlooking the Genesee River, 60 Brown’s Race, Rochester, NY 14614
Bringing together Indigenous artists, entrepreneurs, educators, and supporters to immerse attendees in Native cultures in a meaningful, engaging and impactful way.
To foster inclusivity, the event welcomes allies’ participation through donations and in-kind contributions for door prizes. Additionally, the market will be ASL interpreted and live-streamed to enhance accessibility. With its vibrant artwork and engaging discussions, the market provides a unique opportunity for communities to build relationships and support one another.
Currently looking for Sponsors and Volunteers.
Sponsorship Form: https://forms.gle/V9zczaUC4tLrnyPL8,
Volunteer Form: https://forms.gle/xQHtmmJ3SqWgHqUT6
Unique & Individual:
A Portrait of Autism by Mohawk Photographer Angel Horn
Ongoing: October 5 – November 30
Iroquois Museum, 324 Caverns Road, Howes Cave, NY 12092
Hannah Claus is a transdisciplinary artist whose ancestry includes the Tyendinaga Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. She holds an MFA from Concordia University, is an Eiteljorg Fellow and a recipient of the Prix Giverny. Her elegant, often ethereal expressions have been exhibited at the National Gallery of Canada; the Biennial of Contemporary Indigenous Art; and the Pierre-François Ouellette contemporary art gallery. Claus’ installations are in several public collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Eiteljorg Museum, North American Native Museum (Zurich, CH), the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Global Affairs and the City of Montreal. She is one of the co-founders of daphne, a new Indigenous contemporary arts center based in Montreal.
Outside the Box – 2024 Feature Exhibition
Ongoing: April 4 – November 30
Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center / Seneca-Iroquois National Museum, 82 W Hetzel St, Salamanca, NY 14779
Outside the Box: What happens when Haudenosaunee individuals pursue creative paths that are unheralded and wholly unexpected? When work doesn’t fit the mold? When pioneering forays are made into areas of expression where Indigenous representation is rare to non-existent?
Outside the Box celebrates the work of such innovators: the Iroquois Indian Marching Band; photojournalist Ian R. Maracle; installation artist Hannah Claus; claymation animator and comic drama filmmaker Paulette Moore; luthier (guitar maker) Glenn Hill, Jr.; neo-burlesque dancer Lauren Ashley Jiles; metalsmith Margaret Jacobs; video game designer Waylon Wilson, and others.
Community Callout for Family Heirlooms Exhibit
Ongoing: August 9 – December 1
Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center / Seneca-Iroquois National Museum, 82 W Hetzel St, Salamanca, NY 14779
We are seeking community members wanting to share their family keepsakes to put on display for a new exhibit that celebrates loved ones and Onöndowa’ga resiliency. Participants will learn about proper object care and preservation for their heirlooms to keep safely for the next 7 generations.
Interested community members should email a detailed description along with photos of the heirlooms to info@senecamuseum.org. Nya:weh.
Articles:
The U.S. gets a new national marine sanctuary, the first led by a tribe
Oglala Sioux Tribe takes steps to protect Black Hill
Will exploratory lithium mining continue near a sacred hot spring?
5 takeaways from our investigation into state trust lands on reservations
Monthly Events:
NOON Steering Committee Open Meeting. Please contact Lee Cridland, Peace Council Staff, for more info.
Places to Visit:
Skä•noñh – Great Law of Peace Center, 6680 Onondaga Lake Pkwy. Liverpool, NY 13088. Skä•noñh is a Haudenosaunee Cultural Center focused on telling the story of the native peoples of central New York. Now open from 10am-4pm Wednesday-Friday, and 11am-4pm on Saturday.
Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community, 4934 State Highway 5. Fonda, NY.
Ganondagan State Historic Site, 7000 County Road 41 (Boughton Hill Road) Victor, NY 14564. Bark Longhouse open May-October.
Seneca Iroquois National Museum, 82 W Hetzel St. Salamanca, NY 14779.
Iroquois Museum, 324 Caverns Road. Howes Cave, NY 12092.
About Us:
Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON) is a grassroots organization of Central New Yorkers which recognizes and supports the sovereignty of the traditional government of the Onondaga Nation. A program of the Syracuse Peace Council, NOON supports the right of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim land, and advocates for fair settlement of any claims which are filed. We are always looking for more folks to join our work in Central New York. Learn more here.
NOON works on the territory of the Onondaga Nation,
Firekeepers of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
We express our deep gratitude to the Onondaga Nation for caring for these lands, waters, and all our fellow beings since time immemorial.
We offer heartfelt apologies for the terrible violence that colonizers have carried out against the Onondaga People and Nation, including theft of land and attempted genocide. We are thankful for their perseverance and survival. We commit ourselves to working in solidarity with the Onondaga Nation to protect their sovereignty and create a shared, sustainable future for all life.