We are fortunate once again to be attending the Elders Conference at Trent University. Crystal will be sharing her style of making cornhusk dolls and the legend of the no-face doll. Terry will be demonstrating elm bark uses and presenting an overview of the formation of the Haudenosaunee.
We were invited to demonstrate, cornhusk dolls and elm bark rattles, at the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering this weekend. We had such an amazing time and met so many amazing people. Niawenkó:wa
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After attending a Strawberry Festival in Fonda, NY, I created the strawberry image to pay homage to Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community. The community grounded in Rotinonhsionni culture and located on homeland of our ancestors.
The strawberry is sacred in our Haudenosaunee culture. The ken’niiohontésha (strawberry) has a place in our Creation Story, in our Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen (Words Before All Else) i.e. Thanksgiving Address and in our ceremonies.
In the Creation Story, the strawberry was brought, along with tobacco, when Sky Woman fell from the Sky World. In our Thanksgiving Address, the strawberry represents “the leader of the berries” because it is the first berry to ripen. We also, acknowledge the strawberry in our cycle of ceremonies with the Strawberry Ceremony. It is at this time our babies are named in the Kanonhsésne (Longhouse).
2022 Collaboration with the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario.
I created a coloring sheet and an outline, similar to my original image, for their students to color and design their own, while having lessons on the strawberry.
