October 2018

Living History

You might say that the second Monday in October has traditionally celebrated America’s heritage as a nation of immigrants. In recent years (decades, actually), many people in the United States have felt moved to honor the indigenous people who called this continent home before the arrival of Columbus. Many of those communities continue to do so today.

A Western New York Treasure

Here in Western New York, we’re lucky to have New York’s only State Historic Site dedicated to a Native American theme, as well as a National Historic Landmark, in the Ganondagan State Historic Site. This rich cultural landmark not only shows us how the Seneca people thrived in this region, but also how their culture and principles continue to impact modern American life.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

A visit to Ganondagan makes an exceptional additional or alternative way to honor New York history and heritage on a day that’s generally been reserved just for Christopher Columbus. This year’s events taking place the first weekend of October are particularly poignant. On October 6th, there will be a female/male Around the Table Conversation about the roles of Hodinöhsö:ni’ and Euro-American Women, spiritually, economically, socially and politically. The goal is to achieve a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Hodinöhsö:ni’ women in the past and present, and of the complexities contemporary Hodinöhsö:ni’ women face in making a difference within their cultural community and in the community at large. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversation with the speakers. Both Saturday and Sunday, visitors can enjoy a guided tour at the top of each hour. Your guide will be one of the Women of Ganondagan who will give a personal view of the new exhibit Hodinöhsö:ni’ Women: From the Time of Creation. The tour will also include a viewing of Katsitsionni Fox’s short film Haudenosaunee Women & Women’s Suffragists: A Hidden History.