Onondaga Nation
By Tsadeyohdi
Day 3, Verona Beach, Oneida, New York
It was July 4th, Independence Day a celebratory event for the neighbors of the Haudenosaunee and a day for a – tribute of independence – for the Two Row Renewal Campaign of 2013.
July 4th was Day # 3 of the Two Row Journey, the landing for this day took place upon the shores of Oneida Lake at Verona Beach within the traditional homelands of the Oneida people.
The 17 Haudenosaunee Paddlers represent a strong and diligent group of individuals, paddling nearly 30 miles in 90-degree heat and humidity on this leg of the Two Row Journey.
It is 7:18 pm, a few miles out on the Oneida Lake is Lewis Point a natural landmark in which to rest; it would serve as a good time and place for an exchange of greetings between Oneida people and the family of Paddlers.
It was just 2 days ago, July 2, 2013 when the Haudenosaunee Paddlers and supporters launched a flotilla of canoes and kayaks to commence the trek of the Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign journey from the shores of the Onondaga Lake, Onondaga Nation territory near Syracuse, New York to the oceanic waters along the Manhattan Island of New York City.
It is now 7:45 pm and the flotilla of canoes and kayak are now visible from the shoreline and the Two Row Journey’s Haudenosaunee enthusiast begin to hoop and cheer with excitement.
The Two Row Renewal Campaign rests on the partnership between the Onondaga Nation and the Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation to develop a statewide historical and authentic educational opportunity commemorating the 400th anniversary of the first treaty between the Haudenosaunee and a European Nation.
The first treaty document is the Two Row Wampum Belt. Its significance stands as a truly American treaty instrument modeling nation-to-nation international relationships, forever coveted through treaty practices and procedures, between the Haudenosaunee and the Dutch of the Netherlands in 1613. The Two Row Wampum Belt documents a confirmation of peace, friendship, and a mutual understanding, which is integrity based, respecting the ecological stewardship with the natural world here in America.
It is 8:17 pm as the Two Row Journey of canoes and kayaks land ashore one at a time until all 17 Paddlers received a handshake and a smile from the Haudenosaunee well-wishers along the beachfront.
On this day, the 4th of July tribute is bestow upon the 17 Paddlers, their ground crew, and the enthusiast of the Two Row Renewal Campaign journey. As Haudenosaunee and indigenous peoples, they know their ancestors would be proud of them for renewing a campaign of traditional water culture whilst respecting the founders of the Two Row Belt on this day. The Day 3 Paddlers are: Orris Edwards, Pete Edwards, Neil Patterson, Hickory Edwards, Wayne Waterman, John Logan, Jackie Old Coyote Logan, Mistie Shenandoah, John Jocko, Leigha Bucktooth, Cody Edwards, Owen Edwards Chapman, Noah Onheda, Kim Hill, Waylan Wilson, Jacob Henry, and Starlight Edwards.
Cultural renaissance is a natural partner to such events as the Two Row Journey especially since it will enter a number of indigenous territories along the water pathway. On July 2nd, the cultural words and songs were an essential part of the Onondaga launch for the Two Row Renewal Campaign. As the Two Row Journey left Onondaga territory and entered Oneida homelands if offered an appropriate time for a traditional Oneida language welcoming with speeches by John Logan, along with well-appreciated gifts of supplies and foods shared by Jackie Logan and Wayne Waterman.
Next Wednesday, July 10th & 11th , the Two Row Renewal Campaign Journey leaves Oneida territories and enters the homelands of the Mohawk Nation. Catch the welcome celebration of the Two Row Journey with Tom Porter’s Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community.
The Two Row Renewal Campaign Journey also provides opportunities for polishing or expanding your water skills, along with the cultural camaraderie that grows from the experiences learned with healthy laughter and the great personal pride you attain meeting daily travel goals made with your new Paddle Family. Experienced water-people are welcome to join the Two Row Renewal Campaign journey for as short or long duration you are able to share. For the precious Journey supporters there are a number of activities and locations to meet, greet, or assist the Paddlers of the 2013 Two Row Renewal Campaign Journey as they paddle eastward along the Mohawk River, and down the Hudson River toward their final destination, New York City on August 9th.
Get your summer plans in order and include Friday, August 9th to meet the Two Row Renewal Campaign Journey in NYC at Pier 96, 57th St. on west side of Manhattan, at 10:00 am! Done:toh.