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Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

John Smith/WAER News

Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center in Liverpool is presenting a series of events as part of Native American Heritage Month to educate Central New Yorkers about the significance of nations and the very important contributions of Native people.  The center overlooking Onondaga Lake holds several exhibits and produced, narrated history videos by the Haudenosaunee or their allies.  This weekend they’re presenting a craft show.  Director Nicole Abrams says the crafters travel great distances like Canada and some offer jewelry.  

“…And the beadwork is very intricate. People make a living off of these crafts.  So they learn a lot of different ways to make the jewelry… almost like they’re 3-D like.”

Earrings and bracelets are a part of the offerings.  Abrams says the rich history of other indigenous people will be told by special presenters this month, along with their regular historical exhibits.

“The Haudenosaunee, like how they think, how it’s different from the Western way of life and how assimilation has affected the Haudenosaunee people and indigenous people in itself. So, it’s more personal… people can get a better understanding for the history.”

One of the organizers of the craft show, Freida Jacques is looking forward to the opening of an exhibit of ‘Not Your Indians’ Anymore: Alcatraz and the Red Power Movement.

Credit John Smith/WAER News
A wall of articles from the new exhibit.

“This group of people decided to take over Alcatraz because, I guess, it was no longer a penitentiary.  Just to make the point of what native people had gone through and what they were left with and to make people notice that they did this.”

The exhibit opens on Wednesday, November 28th with a reception from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM.  The craft fair happens Saturday, November 17th from 10 AM – 4 PM.  Theresa ‘Bear’ Fox who sings in the Mohawk language will be performing twice at 11 AM and 2 PM. For more information on other events click here.

Credit John Smith/WAER News
An exhibit case sports a skateboard !

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.