Straightening the tree of peace
LAFAYETTE – A gathering to discuss the duties, rights and responsibilities of the title holders and the people in relation to the Gayanenhsa’gonah was held on March 19th, 2016. Speakers including Kanasaraken, Ateronhiatakon and Tekarontake were invited to speak to the people about how the Gayanenhsa’gonah could be restored. The presentations were filmed by Wandeyu Estrada-Goeman.
PART 1 – PAUL DELARONDE – INTRODUCTION
In this video Paul Delaronde talks about the Natural Way, that reason for our ceremonies. The “Three Sisters” are our little sisters, because they have to be taught “cultivated,”metaphor for womanhood. Paul also talks about the significance of the peach stone game and talks about what the ceremonies were intended for. Deganawida brought back the three main ceremonies. Paul concludes with an explanation of the circle wampum.
PART 2 – PAUL DELARONDE – THE ROLE OF TADODAHO
Paul continues to talks about how the “Chief Circle Wampum” is not about the chiefs, but about the families, and how our language explains that. He talks about the 49 families that make up the Iroquois Confederacy. Paul talks about the role of Tadodaho title and what his job is in the council is: it binds all 49 families together and keeps things going.
PART 3 – PAUL DELARONDE – REALLY USING A “GOOD MIND”
Paul talks about how we’ve been taught that having a “good mind” means that we do what we’re told to do. But in our language, the real meaning is “A mind that works.” Faith, accepting things without proof, comes from the church, is not our way. Questioning, thinking and learning is our way.
PART 4 – PAUL DELARONDE THE “ROAST STORY” AS A METAPHOR FOR BLIND TRADITION
“One mind” vs consensus using the clan system. -GREAT Roast Story used as metaphor for blindly following tradition without knowing why. Cornhusk dolls cited as example. Teaching kids respect with our stories and oral traditions.
PART 5 – LORAN THOMPSON ON THE MEANING OF THE FIREKEEPERS
Loran Thompson talks briefly about the metaphorical meaning of the Firekeepers.
PART 6 – LORAN THOMPSON GAJISTAH WAMPUM AT MEETINGS
(rough opening, sound starts at :45 sec) Loran talks about the importance of the “Gajistah” wampum at all official meeting as it holds the words of all the people. Can be used as reminder to the title holders that they need to listen to people.
PART 7 – LORAN THOMPSON – THE ROLE OF TADODAHO HAS CHANGED
Loran says in the law everyone is equal, but in recent times Tadodaho has been put higher than everyone, which is wrong. Label of a “chief of chiefs” was struck down during grand council meeting.
PART 8 – A QUESTION ABOUT HOW ADDRESS MATTERS WITH TITLEHOLDERS
Francis Boots opens the floor to questions. A question about how to properly address a titleholder when they refuse to listen to their people, and how to proceed when it continues.
PART 10 – OUR POWER IS THE PEOPLE
PART 11 – THE MEN’S DUTIES: FATHERS, UNCLES, GRANDFATHERS
Paul talks about the men’s duties: the fathers, uncles, and grandfathers. Everyone needs to begin actively using their minds, and start taking responsibility for themselves.
PART 12 – BLACK WAMPUM AS A WARNING
Loran talks about how we used to pick our leaders, as opposed to how they’re picked now (seat warmers example) Got a reputation for being”troublemakers” because they took action. The people need to meet, and start repairing the government. Black wampum used to warn the titleholders.
PART 13 – THE BIG STICK AND THE SEAGULL WING
PART 14 – KAYENEREN’KO:WA VS PEACEMAKERS
Francis Boots talks about how recent recitals of the Kayaneren’kó:wa only recited was the story of Peacemaker’s journey, over and over, but ignored crucial parts of the e Kayaneren’kó:wa. -Paul talks about the hypocracy of Canada and United States when dealing with Native Peoples.
PART 15 – THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BELT
Loran talks about the truth of the George Washington Belt. By Haudenosaunee embracing it, we are accepting that we are wards of the United States.
PART 16 – TREATY OF CANANDAIGUA IS A FRAUD
Mohawks never signed Canadaigua. Chiefs are not supposed to travel outside the territory, war chief and men are supposed to represent them.
