Lecture on the Haudenosaunee and the Great Law of Peace

Introduction

• Welcome and Setting:
  • The Swamp family was welcomed at the National Museum of the American Indian.
  • Jake Swamp and his family are notable figures within the Haudenosaunee community.
  • Jake served in the Mohawk Nation Council for nearly 40 years.
  • The family founded the NGO Tree of Peace Society.

Overview of the Haudenosaunee

• Six Nations:

  • Also known as Iroquois or Haudenosaunee ("people who build the longhouse").
  • Includes Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Tuscarora, Cayuga, and Seneca.
  • Population around 100,000 across various territories.

• Philosophy and Tradition:

  • Known for a thinking tradition—intellectual and philosophical.
  • Embodied in the Great Law of Peace.
  • Influence on American democracy noted by figures like Benjamin Franklin.

Presentation Highlights

Skahindowane Swamp

• Role and Contributions:

  • Artist and faith keeper of the Longhouse.
  • Appointed inaugural chair in Indigenous Knowledge at Trent University.
  • Discussed the new display of the traditional Mohawk headdress at the museum.

• Thanksgiving and Symbols:

  • Traditional gatherings start with thanksgiving to Mother Earth and natural world.
  • The Celestial Dome symbol and its relation to peace and separation of worlds.

• Headdress (Gostoa) Symbolism:

  • Represents the Tree of Peace.
  • White pine chosen for its symbolism of everlasting peace.
  • Different designs for each nation within Haudenosaunee.

Judy Swamp

• Role of Women:

  • Heart of the family and culture.
  • Responsible for choosing leaders, emphasizing qualities like honesty and compassion.

• Personal Stories and Teachings:

  • Shared upbringing and teachings from her uncle.
  • Discussed the importance of family and community involvement.
  • Selection of leaders based on character and actions.

Chief Jake Swamp

• Advocacy and Teaching:

  • Spread the message of peace globally, planting trees as symbols.
  • Discussed the impact of grief on people worldwide.

• Great Law of Peace:

  • History and teachings of the Great Law as a foundation for peace.
  • Discussed the influence on democracy and future projects to bring indigenous people together.

• Environmental Concerns:

  • Stressed living in harmony with nature.
  • Expressed concerns about modern practices like fracking and environmental degradation.

Conclusion

• Acknowledgments:

  • Importance of oral traditions and the role of the Swamp family in preserving these.
  • Encouragement to look towards future generations and instill teachings for a sustainable world.

• Call to Action:

  • Plans for a gathering of indigenous people at the Mississippi River in 2012 for a condolence ceremony.
  • Importance of addressing grief and coming together to share knowledge and peace.