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Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community© Reestablished September 1993

Skennenhatie (Take Peace with You)


Traditional Iroquois Dancer

VISION STATEMENT

Kanatsiohareke is a sustainable, living Onkwehon:we community grounded in Rotinonhsionni culture - its language, land, and social structure.


Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Indian Community

Kanatsiohareke 2018

Shé:kon Friends and Supporters!

WATER UPDATE
Earlier this month Kanatsiohareke began work on the first of our new water wells. You can find images of this work here: https://www.facebook.com/KanatsioharekeMohawkCommunity/posts/1482229618558470. At the time it was drilled, this new well was producing around 100 gallons per minute. We do not yet know if that yield will remain constant. Though the work on the well was briefly interrupted, we are expecting the Department of Health to give us the official okay next week to go on with the next steps on this well: testing the water quality and the water yield of this well. Once this testing is completed, we may have to wait until Spring to complete the remainder of this well project, since the ground is now frozen. The remainder of the work, after testing, will involve: installing a pump, excavating and laying piping from the well to the facilities, installing any necessary treatment systems (depending on water quality), and installing one or more holding tanks for the treated water. Those interested in checking in on our progress in 2018, or in giving an additional end of the year / new year donation can visit our online fundraising page here: https://www.youcaring.com/kanatsiohareke-891992

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We want to send out a special thank you to all of our friends and supporters! It is because of YOU that Kanatsiohareke is moving closer towards its long term goal of building a sustainable, self-sufficient community focused on the revitalization and maintenance of Mohawk Language and cultural traditions. It is also because of your generous support that we have finally been able to get started on our pavilion project AND get working on our much more important Clean Water Project! In 2018 we hope to finish the pavilion, finish the first stage of the Clean Water Project, make some movement on the second stage of our Clean Water Project, and possibly begin working on sustainable/renewable energy systems, along with other needed infrastructure work.

We are wishing you all much health and happiness in 2018. We also hope to share our clean, potable water with you under the roof of our new pavilion in the coming year!

Niawenko:wa tahnon wa'tkonnonhwerá:ton! / With deep love, respect, and gratitude,

The Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community


AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM TOM PORTER

Dear Friend and Supporter of Kanatsiohareke:

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to you today to express my gratitude for all of your support and friendship over the years. But I am also writing –with some reluctance-- to ask for your help. For over two decades, the Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community has been my home. It is the place to which I return in between times of helping with ceremonies and working in our communities to maintain our language and traditional teachings for our future generations. Kanatsiohareke has also served many of you as a place of communal gathering, cultural learning, and language revitalization, as well as a place of ceremony, rest, and rejuvenation. It is a place that we all cherish, despite the numerous infrastructural issues and setbacks that have accumulated over the years.

Unfortunately, the existing infrastructural issues at Kanatsiohareke have accumulated to a point that we can no longer put off addressing them. The Kanatsiohareke Community needs to act quickly to address two of the most urgent of these issues: our water and septic systems. Over a century old, the spring water system in the community is now in such dire need of repair that we have been advised not to use the water that flows in abundance through our community. We have, instead, been forced to spend thousands of dollars a year purchasing bottled water that is trucked in from distant lands. Similarly, our septic system, which has never been fully operational, has recently shut down completely, requiring costly repairs to prevent sewage from backing up into the facilities. If Kanatsiohareke is to survive and thrive into the future, we will need to begin repairs and upgrades on these systems right away, and we are looking to raise $40,000 by mid-October of this year, as well as some additional funds there after.

Water is Life. We each have a responsibility to protect and care for the water sources around us. Because of the gravity of this responsibility and the accumulated weight of our struggle, we are asking that you support our efforts and share with us in upholding our collective responsibilities. Your tax-deductible donation in support of the Kanatsiohareke Clean Water Project will help us to do this, and it will allow us to build a more sustainable, flourishing community for the future generations.

Niawenko:wa tahnon skennenhatie,

Sakokwenionkwas Thomas Porter and the Kanatsiohareke Board of Directors


Donations can be made by check, cash (in person only), or credit/debit card.
By check, please make checks out to Kanatsiohareke and mail them to: PO Box 714, Fonda, NY 12068.
Cash donation in person, please come visit us at: 4934 State Highway 5, Fonda, NY 12068.
Credit or debit card,* please go to our online fundraiser at: https://www.youcaring.com/kanatsiohareke-891992
* To avoid giving additional funds to YouCaring.com, follow the link next to your donation amount (listed as "recommended"), and edit the amount you are giving.

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EVENTS:

“Bumping Hips: A History of Lacrosse”, September 2 through October 28, Vestal Museum, 328 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY. Saturday, Sept. 16, 1 p.m, Alfred Jacques, the Onondaga traditional stick maker, will speak. A lacrosse stick created by him for the museum will be on display throughout the exhibit. Anthony Gonyea and Wendy Gonyea of the Onondaga Nation will be speaking at 2 and 3 p.m on Sept. 16th.


International Iroquois Beadwork Conference,
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 15-17, Ganondagan State Seneca Art & Culture Center. There are a few late registration slots available for $150. Questions? Please visit the webpage: www.otsiningo.com/iibc2017/iibc-home.html

Gifts of the Haudenosaunee: Living History Event, Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 am-4 pm, Ganondagan State Historical Site. Immerse yourself in the rich Haudenosaunee culture, heritage, and traditions through story telling and traditional & contemporary arts at our 2017 Living History event. Admission is $8/adults; $5/members, seniors and students; free for kids 5 and younger. Admission includes the Seneca Art & Culture Center exhibits & film, Gift Shop, tours of the Bark Longhouse and trails. A day not to be missed!

Read more here!

Moose Hair Tufting with Bonnie Bowen, Sept. 23, 10 AM-4PM, Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community, 4934 State Highway 5, Fonda, NY 12068. Come learn this ancient art form used by Indigenous peoples in the northern climates to decorate their clothes and other items with hair from moose, elk, and/or caribou. Though this art form was almost completely lost in the 1900s due to colonization, over the last 30 years it has made a comeback. Come be a part of that comeback. Tuition of $125 includes: a kit with all necessary tufting supplies and preparation materials; a tufting book with “how to” pictures; hands-on experience and instruction; and coffee, tea, morning snacks and a home-cooked lunch.

Haudenosaunee Women’s Traditional Roles with Wendy Hill, Sept. 30, 10 AM-4PM, Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community, 4934 State Highway 5, Fonda, NY 12068. Spend the day with Wendy Hill as she talks about Haudenosaunee Women’s traditional roles from birth to death, including ceremonies, moon time, daily life and the importance of self-care/healing. Tuition of $25 includes lecture, home cooked lunch, as well as coffee, tea and morning snacks.

Making a Traditional Mohawk Wedding Basket with Richard Nolan, Oct. 7 &8, 10 AM-4PM, Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community, 4934 State Highway 5, Fonda, NY 12068. Participants will spend two days making and then taking home a traditional Mohawk Wedding Basket (8” x 5.25” x 6”), while learning about Haudenosaunee wedding traditions and about various basket making principles and strategies. Baskets can be used for a variety of purposes. Space for 12-16 students. Tuition: $175, includes two days of instruction, materials, 2 lunches, and one breakfast.

Seneca Cornbread Wheels, Saturday/Sunday, October 7 & 8, 10 am - 2 pm, Ganondagan State Historical Site. Follow New York State's "Path Through History" right to Ganondagan! See how traditional corn bread is made in the Bark Longhouse with Belinda Patterson (Tuscarora), and then taste a free sample for yourself! Free with admission to the Seneca Art & Culture Center.

Seneca Bark Longhouse At Ganondagan State Historical Site Is Open now through October 31. You can further your understanding of the Seneca and Haudenosaunee - and their message of peace - from a comprehensive cultural, historical, and environmental perspective. Tour the full-size replica of the 17th-century Seneca Bark Longhouse, walk miles of self-guided trails, climb the mesa where a huge palisaded granary stored thousands of bushels of corn and then visit the Seneca Art & Culture Center.

Walking the Steel: From Girder to Ground Zero Exhibit, April 1 - November 30, 2017, Iroquois Indian Museum, Howes Cave, NY. Artwork, artifacts, photographs, and audio recollections interprets the long-standing cultural and occupational tradition of iron working and its prominent role in Iroquois communities. Also explores the response to 9-11 by these individuals who had no national obligation to aid in the recovery but selflessly did (in some cases at immense personal cost), and concludes with the Haudenosaunee role in raising the 758-ton spire for the Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center in May 2013.


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MONTHLY:


NOON Steering Committee Open Meeting, Tuesday, September 12, 7-8:30 pm, Syracuse Peace Council, 2013 East Genesee St, Syracuse, NY. Since new people often have a lot of questions, we recommend talking with Carol Baum, Syracuse Peace Council Staff (3154725478, carol@peacecouncil.net) or Sue Eiholzer, NOON Volunteer (3154922684, rsue@twcny.rr.com) before the meeting.

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FYI:

ONONDAGA NATION SCHOOL

Onondaga Nation parents walk students back to school – Syracuse Post Standard with great pictures.

Compromise Reached in Boycott of Native American School – Resolution outcome was covered by the New York Times.

Indigenous bishop slams the “doctrine of discovery”


__________________

NOON RESOURCES:

WITNESS TO INJUSTICE: UNRAVELING HISTORIC NATIVE & U.S. RELATIONS This inter-active group exercise is a 1 ½ hour teaching tool that uses participatory education to raise awareness of the history of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the part of the world now known as the United States. Through the use of meaningful quotes, and blankets that represent part of Turtle Island (the Western Hemisphere), we explore this shared history that most people rarely learn in traditional settings. We engage in a conversation about the European colonization of Turtle Island in order to deepen our understanding of the denial of Indigenous peoples' nationhood throughout U.S. History. NOON is offering this exercise to groups, organizations, schools and churches. A good will offering to support NOON's work is appreciated If you would like additional information or to schedule a time for a presentation, please contact Sue Eiholzer at 315-492-2684 or rsue@twcny.rr.com.

The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code film is premised on Pagans in the Promised Land: Decoding the Doctrine of Christian Discovery, a book based on two decades of research by Shawnee, Lenape scholar Steven T. Newcomb. Available to borrow. Contact Carol Baum at 315-472-5478 or carol@peacecouncil.net

Standing on Sacred Ground Videos. Each of the 4 episodes is 60 min. Pilgrims and Tourists, Profit and Loss, Fire and Ice and Islands of Sanctuary. If you have a group of friends or know an organization that would like to view any of these films, please contact Carol Baum at 3154725478 or carol@peacecouncil.net


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SAVE THE DATE:

Making a Plains Courting Flute with Eric Marczak, Oct. 14 & 15, 10 AM-4PM, Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community, 4934 State Highway 5, Fonda, NY 12068. Learn about the history of flutes while being guided through the process of making a 21-inch Plains-Style G Minor Flute with craftsman and musician Eric Marczak. Completed flutes retail for around $175-$200. Workshop Tuition of $175 includes coffee, tea, morning snacks and a home cooked lunch both days. Space is limited (Max 6 students)!

Symposium on Woodland Indian Art & Material Culture, Friday-Saturday, October 20-21, Ganondagan State Historical Site. Join national and international guest speakers to better learn and understand woodland Indian art and material culture, both from an historic context and as a modern cultural tradition. Early-bird admission is $80 through Sept. 30, and $100 thereafter. Event takes place Friday evening and Saturday. Registration includes continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday. To register, please email info@ganondagan.org or call (585) 742-1690. We can only take 140 registrants, so register now!

Family Harvest Festival with Kay Olan, Amanda Tarbell and the Akwesasne Women’s Singers, November 4, 10 AM-4PM, Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community, 4934 State Highway 5, Fonda, NY 12068. Join Amanda Tarbell in learning about and making traditional Haudenosaunee Corn Husk dolls in the morning, then spend an afternoon of song, storytelling, and social dancing with the Akwesasne Women’s Singers and storyteller Kay Olan. Attendees will be treated to hours of entertainment and invited to try their new dance skills. Admission: $5 for adults, $3 seniors/ children under 12. Children 5 and under are free. Light refreshments and lunch provided for low cost.

Winterization Workday, Volunteer Appreciation Dinner & Film Screening, November 11, all day, Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community, 4934 State Highway 5, Fonda, NY 12068. Gwendoln Cates will discuss her film, “The Good Mind”, after the screening. Bring a dish to share or just yourself.

You can access past NOON E-Newsletters.

 


 

A VISIT TO KANATSIOHAREKE

"Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as People."

Now our minds are one. *

In a previous Communicator I told about stopping at a Mohawk bed and breakfast/craft store on Rt. 5 returning from a trip to Albany. Aug. 13 Doug and I returned there to attend a presentation by Darren Bonaparte on "Wampum". Before I came to Phoenix, the vast amount of my career was in adult education at Hutchings. I say that because I have been in numerous presentations. Darren Bonaparte’s presentation was nothing short of excellent. I will never be able to think of Wampum as "Indian Money" again. I knew nothing on the subject before; I know a lot more now, but not all. Wampum Belts are sacred objects that Native American Indians use to tell their history and convey who they are as people. Darren’s presentation was about 4 hours, from 10 to 3 with lunch in-between. How could anyone make 4 hours of talking about beads interesting let alone meaningful? He did. The presentation cost was $25 which included lunch – which was also excellent. It was well worth it. Our purpose in going was to "check this place out"; could we recommend it to others. Well, we’re in love with it; I have to work on being able to say the name of the place right, but it is great.

In 1993, a small group of traditional Mohawk people returned to the homeland of their ancestors and re-established a Mohawk community called Kanatsiohareke (pronounced Gah Nah Jo Hah Leh: Geh). It’s on the north shore of the Mohawk River between Fonda and Palatine Bridge. It is on about 400 acres of land that they purchased at public auction which was originally the site of the Bear Clan of the Mohawk People. Mohawk Elder, Tom Porter (Sakikwenio’nkwas) is the founder, director and spiritual leader of this Community. The purpose of this Community of Mohawks is to revitalize Native languages and traditions and to educate Native and non-Native people about the true history, culture, language and spirituality of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) People.

Native American Indian people are not "past history", but are quite alive today and have much to share. You can find more about the Community and the various programs that are offered by going to www.mohawkcommunity.com I have a copy of Tom Porter’s book Kanatsioshareke that I am circulating in the Church that tells the story of this Place and much more. Watch in the Dining Room for a soon to be appearing bulletin board about Kanatsiohareke.

Native American Indians have great reverence for the land, the place where they are. I get that feeling in our Church Building – the place where we are – there is sacredness in our little corner of Bridge and Jefferson in Phoenix, NY. I felt that same feeling while at Kanatshiohareke – a sacredness of place. Our Church Community is also sacred, and there was that same spirit at Kanatshiohareke. We are planning on returning there within the near future. They have programs on many subjects where you can learn to make a drum or a basket and you hear some good teaching about life. Doug and I encourage you to consider going there. If you are also interested, let’s talk.

Our Church is a place of Great Spirit. Kanatsiohareke is a place of Great Spirit. The People of our Church are most welcoming. The People of Kanatsihareke are most welcoming. When People of the Great Spirit gather together they are one, and great things happen.

At the end of a Mohawk Council the speaker would say words such as follow:

"We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way."

And now our minds are one.*

GOD bless us all – no exceptions! Pastor Stan

 

*Thanksgiving Address – John Stokes – 6 Nations Indian Museum – 1993


 
Please click on "News and Events" for more scheduled activities. 

Niawen for your interest and support of Kanatsiohareke.

Kanatsiohareke Drum Making Workshop 2015
Drum Making Workshop 2015 with Jackie Labonte (Mohawk-Six Nations)
2015 Drum Making Workshop Class
Tom Porter - 2015 Drum Making Workshop
Fordham University student visit 2014
Nazareth University student vist 2014
Our thanks, gratefulness, and love to all who traveled near and far to join us on October 19, 2013, to share and listen to a talk on "Iroquois Culture" given by Sakokwenionkwas (Tom Porter). 
 
It was a good turnout and by all accounts, it was a great success.  We hope that you all had a good time while learning about Haudenosaunee culture and traditions, and we hope you will be able to join us again for future events here at Kanatsiohareke.
 
Skennenhatie
(Take peace with you)

Our greetings, love and many thanks to the dedicated volunteers who helped to make the 2013 Kanatsiohareke Strawberry Festival a success!  
 
In spite of the inclement weather and an unforseen train derailment nearby, we welcomed many, many people who look forward to this event each year and managed to make it again.  We are truly thankful that you all made it here and we look forward to seeing you all next year.
 
Niawenko:wa tanon skennenhatie
(Many thanks and take peace with you) 

Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community
Historic Barn
Our greetings, love, and thanks to Bob & Maddie Vetter, & Nick Martinelli for your efforts in organizing a fundraiser at the Huntington Cinema Arts Center, in Huntington, NY.

The benefit opened with Tom Porter (Sakokwenionkwas) who delivered the Ohenton Kariwatekwen (Thanksgiving Address).  Kay Olan (Ionataiewas), a masterful storyteller shared some traditional teaching stories, shortly followed by traditional singers Hennes Porter & Kenny Perkins who shared some social songs while traditional dancers shared the floor with our guests.

Performances by Tiokasin Ghosthorse & Matou were outstanding, and the films were well received in a comfortable cinema atmosphere.  Many people came away with a new awareness of the indigenous peoples in their midst.  An experience in the culture and traditions of the Haudenosaunee (People of the Longhouse).  Niawenkowa (Many Thanks) to you all for your generous efforts in support of the mission of Kanatsiohareke.

Kastowa
Kastowa by Bill Loran

The Benefit Concert at Caffe Lena on March 13, 2009, was a resounding success!   We owe it all to our friends at Caffe Lena for their generous donation of the venue, and to Roy "Poncho" Hurd and Kay Olan for all of their efforts with the prep work that went into putting on a great show.

Roy "Poncho" Hurd performed some of his famous tunes and a hilarious story or two.  Jesse Bruchac did a wonderful presentation on Wabanaki cultural traditions through story and song.  Kay Olan shared a Haudenosaunee story handed down to her by Dave Fadden, & Tami Mitchell sang the "Mohawk Baby Song" which was written by Theresa "Bear" Fox, and sang a couple of Tom's favorites.  The Akwesasne Women Singers did a beautiful job with several wonderful songs, and "Bear" what a voice!  All in all, it was a fun time.  Niawenkowa to you all for your love, friendship, and support
of Kanatsiohareke!


Image: 

Walking the Same Land 

About ten years ago a group of Aborigines from Australia visited the traditional Mohawk community of Kanatsiohareke.  New York filmmakers Suzanne Jasper and Karl Shurman captured this unique meeting of the two cultures and created a charming 43 minute video.  Many of us agree that it is the best footage ever done of an event at the community.

The two groups – Australian Aborigines and Mohawks - share their traditional music and dance, as well as their cultural perspectives with each other.  Both groups are committed to learning and living their traditions.  For some, this commitment has helped them overcome the negative impact of residential school systems.  For others, it has strengthened their recovery from substance abuse.  Walking a more traditional path helps them survive emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually in this modern world.

As the Australians dance in their traditional body paint, their movements evoke strong images of the animals from their continent.  Later, Mohawks and Aborigines participate together in a Mohawk social.  Although the dancing of each group differs greatly, the issues that they face in their lives have much in common.  Sharing both their dance and their common challenges helps them form a powerful bond across the continents.

Many people have expressed a desire to view this extraordinary film and so we are now very happy to announce that we are able to offer it for sale as a DVD.  The cost is $15.00 with proceeds going towards helping the community of Kanatsiohareke continue its work of cultural revitalization.   For copies, visit the Kanatsiohareke Craft Shop in season, or email us at info@mohawkcommunity.com


Document Library

NameDescription
DocumentKanatsiohareke Newsletter 2008The year in review
DocumentThanksgiving AddressThe Ohoten Kariwatekwen ("Words before all Else")
DocumentKanatsiohareke Newsletter 2009Our new publication features a year in review, upcoming events, and much more!
 
4934 State Highway Rt 5
Fonda, NY 12068
Phone Number:  (518) 673-4197 
or (518) 584-9270
Fax: (518) 673-3783
info@mohawkcommunity.com

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Kanatsiohareke, Inc is a non-profit 501c 3 organization.  Donations are always welcome and, are tax deductible as permitted by law.  Niawenkowa for your interest and support.

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