In the summer of 2013, Haudenosaunee people, other Indigenous folks and non-native allies left the Onondaga Nation on a paddling journey to the United Nations. In Albany, the group swelled to hundreds for the paddle down the Hudson River to New York City. It was the culmination of a two year campaign to educate people across New York State about the Two Row Wampum treaty and call on people and governments to live up to the treaty's powerful vision of peace and friendship between Natives and non-Natives forever. “Honor the treaties” and”protect the Earth” were the overarching themes. Held to mark the 400th anniversary of this foundational treaty, the paddlers landed in Manhattan and marched across the island where they were welcomed at the United Nations as part of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

This program is an opportunity to learn about the campaign and seek lessons from it for Indigenous Solidarity organizing today and into the future.

Presenters:

Jake Edwards -- Onondaga educator and activist who sat on the Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs for over 20 years. Jake was a core organizer and spokesperson for the Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign. He continues his work as a board member of the Seventh Generation Fund and the Indigenous Values Initiative.

Marissa Corwin Manitowabi -- Seneca educator and designer who was involved in NYC organizing for the Two Row Campaign. Marissa is a museum education professional who uses her dual training in arts and education to create interactive educational experiences rooted in representing Haudenosaunee peoples accurately.

Andy Mager -- Longtime Syracuse-based Indigenous solidarity activist who served as coordinator of the Two Row Campaign. Andy is a co-founder of Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation, has worked on a range of peace and justice organizing for decades and works as the coordinator for peace and justice publisher Syracuse Cultural Workers.

People who plan to attend are asked to watch this 8 minute video about the Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign before the event.