It is no surprise to people who live in Central New York that much of the land in the region once belonged to indigenous people. Syracuse Speaks returns to talk about how indigenous culture is taught, learned, and shared, as well as grow knowledge within the local Central New York community about indigenous peoples and culture. With Indigenous Peoples’ Day happening just a few short weeks ago, it marks 46 years since the United Nations first marked the occasion. In the US, the New York Times recently reported it is now recognized by more than 100 cities and 17 states.
Locally, Onondaga Community College is starting a new class called LBL 101. It’s a collaboration between the college and the Teagle Foundation’s Cornerstone for Living project and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The class will focus on the history of the people who settled Central New York, and will look to include indigenous texts, such as the Thanksgiving address used before and after gatherings. Onondaga Nation Turtle Clan Mother Freida Jacques says it’s about appreciating what the Creator has given us, which helps people feel grateful and content.
“Actually it's in our prophecy that we would be turned to and asked to share what we have. So that's kind of how we see it now,” Jacques said. “That now is the time where people are turning to us to ask these questions and to seek out our knowledge and our wisdom about the natural world. And I just have come around to be someone who has been called to do it. And it feels good when I share what I do share and it seems to be why I'm here. So I'm thankful for that,” Jacques said.
Looking at people who live within the region and have a passion for teaching and spreading indigenous culture, you can find a number of groups. Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation, or NOON, is a local organization with several smaller offshoots, one of which is Women of Italian and Syracuse Heritage of Central New York, WISH CNY.
Hilary Anne Coppola, a founding member of WISH CNY, discussed how she works to bridge the gap between local groups of Italian and indigenous descent, and why she thinks that’s imperative. Coppola talked about her the sometimes difficult relationship between people of Italian descent and those of indigenous descent, but how she hopes to bridge that gap.
Coppola says her solidarity work with indigenous people began as a desire to contribute to the “changing landscape of monument culture,” specifically with regards to Syracuse’s Christopher Columbus statue, but soon grew into a much broader focus.
“I understand that one of the most important things that we can do, in trying to prevent total climate collapse, is to embrace indigenous values and knowledge and encourage their leadership in these issues,” said Coppola.
Local artists play an important role in sharing indigenous culture, and continuing the storytelling nature of the Onondaga Nation and others.
Natasha Smoke Santiago is an artist in residence at the Everson Museum. A potter who lives in the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation, she travels six hours round trip every week to work. She uses her Indigenous identity to inspire her work and bring her heritage to the greater Syracuse area.
With history as a reference point, Smoke Santiago makes it her duty to represent the potters of the past while implementing her own touches in the clay she molds, kilns and finishes.
“I feel really connected when I work with the clay. I feel connected to my ancestors. I really studied quite a bit of the old pieces until I became so familiar with those old designs that I was comfortable creating my own afterwards,” Smoke Santiago said.
Listen to the entire Syracuse Speaks podcast, featuring Jaques, Smoke Santiago, Coppola, and more, as they discuss indigenous culture and how to grow and expand the knowledge within Central New York.
