nekanehsakt

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Letter to Dr. Vallely

Here is a copy of the letter sent to Dr. Vallely regarding Kelly Hughes Depczynski’s actions the evening of Monday March 9, 2015 following the Lancaster School Board meeting.

Coverage on the debate here: http://www.tworowtimes.com/news/mascot-debate-continues-at-lancaster-school/

Kelly Hughes Depczynski and her presumed mother

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Coverage on the recent goings on regarding Lancaster, NY School District's Redskins mascot.  Rather than apologizing and respectfully choosing a different mascot, the Town Supervisor, amongst others, have started a rallying cry while town employees hung a banner reading "Save the Redskin Tradition" across the main thoroughfare.  Joe Maciejewski, an administrator on a Facebook group named "Once A Redskin Always A Redskin", designed to rally together supporters of the mascot, is also an official with the Niagara Frontier Lacrosse Federation (a league many Haudenosaunee players participate in let alone the fact that the game is one of our medicine games), but is also head of Erie county real property tax. Way to go guys. Way to go.

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Big Changes Happening!!!

So may Nia:wens to everyone that has supported Nekanehaskt and various members in their endeavors help truly make Buffalo, and the surrounding area, The City of Good Neighbors.  At his State of the City Address on February 20, 2015 Mayor Byron Brown announced the name of Squ*w Island will be Ga'nigö:i:yoh - Unity Island!! Ga'nigö:i:yoh (ga-knee-GO-ee-yoh) means, in the Seneca language, "one good mind". This word brings to mind the process of consensus making and best intentions for future generations and all creation now and in the future. 

Next step: Planning a renaming ceremony!!

As things heat up with the Lancaster School District's mascot (R*dskins), we invite everyone to attend a forum on Tuesday, March 3, at 7:30 pm at Lancaster High School (1 Forton Dr, Lancaster, NY 14086  - click for map) as both sides of the issue will meet in respectful dialogue regarding this issue. Please be sure sign and spread the word about the petition! (found here )!! Every signature counts.  This is hate speech. Not listening to those who it objectifies, that's just hateful. 

Nia:wen to everyone and see you all on Tuesday at Lancaster High school!

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Dejo:wé:nogáhdöh - Divided Island

Tomorrow, Buffalo's Common Council is expected to unanimously pass the resolution to return so-called Squaw Island to her Seneca name, Dejo:wé:nogáhdöh. While I (Jodi Lynn Maracle) am unable to attend the meeting at 2:00pm at Buffalo City Hall, I encourage supporters to attend and say a big Nia:wen to the Common Council.  As a reminder, we will be having our regular meeting tomorrow evening as well at Burning Books (420 Conneticut st. Buffalo, NY 14213) at 5:30pm. 

Wednesday evening, January 21st, at 7:00pm at Lancaster High school (1 Forton Drive, Lancaster, NY 14086) there will be a meeting open to the public (for observation only) between the Lancaster school board and a committee comprised of Alvin Parker, John Kane, Don Grinde, Hillary Weaver, Al Jamieson regarding Lancaster school district's use of the R•dskin mascot. Please attend to learn more about the offensive use stereotypical imagery and its impact well into today.  Skennen

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RESOLUTION TO CHANGE NAME OF SQ*AW ISLAND PARK TO DIVIDED ISLAND - DEDYOWENOGUHDOH  

RESOLUTION

  Sponsor:          Mr. Golombek

  Date:               January 20, 2015

  Re:                  Request to Rename Squaw Island to “Divided Island - Deyowenoguhdoh”

    Whereas:         Squaw Island is an island in the Niagara River located within the city limits of the City of Buffalo; and

  Whereas:         The word “squaw” is objectionable to many Americans who consider it to be a racist and derogatory the term; and

  Whereas:         Residents of the City of Buffalo and their elected representatives should not tolerate the use of derogatory terminology relating to any people’s racial identity, or which dishonors any person’s race; and,

  Whereas:         It is well known that Native Americans have experienced utmost suffering and disrespect over many years, and each and every Native American and resident of our community is entitled to be treated with decency and respect; and,

  Whereas:         This is not a name that should be celebrated in any public place; and

  Whereas:         For hundreds of years, Squaw Island was known as “Deyowenoguhdoh,” meaning “Divided Island” in the Seneca language, a reference to the small stream that divided its island landscape.  Honoring and paying tribute to the island’s original name is the right thing to do; and

  Whereas:         Pursuant to Section 286-3 of the Charter of the City of Buffalo any Common Council Member by resolution duly filed may request the Common Council to consider the naming of public streets, parks and public buildings and sets the procedures for adopting new names or changing existing names;

  Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved:

  The Common Council of the City of Buffalo hereby adopts “Divided Island  - Deyowenoguhdoh” as the new name of what is now known as “Squaw Island”; and

  Be it Further Resolved:

  That the Commissioner of Public Works Parks & Streets, the Corporation Counsel and all Department heads and commissioners ensure that the name  “Divided Island  - Deyowenoguhdoh” is used on all materials produced under their purview in all instances, including Squaw Island Park within 180 days of the passage of this resolution; and

  Be it Further Resolved:

  That copies of the resolution be forwarded to the Department of Public Works, Parks & Streets, the Buffalo Police Department, the Buffalo Fire Department, Maurice A. John, Sr., President of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Agnes Williams of the Seneca Nation, Jodi Lynn Maracle of the Mohawk Nation, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, Cesar A. Perales, New York State Secretary of State, Joan M. McDonald, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation, the United States Postal Service and the Corporation Counsel for their review and requests that they file their comments and/or recommendations of the proposed renaming with this Common Council; and

                            Be it Finally Resolved That:

  The Common Council of the City of Buffalo directs the City Clerk to file the notice of intention for the proposed name of the island and, upon approval, forward certified copies of this resolution to the United States Postal Service.

      ­­­­                                                ______________________________

Joseph Golombek, Jr.

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An indigenous woman holds her child while trying to resist the advance of Amazonas state policemen in Manaus who have been sent to evict natives. [2008]

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The president of the Seneca Nation of Indians is joining those asking that Buffalo rename Squaw Island and allow the 60-acre park to revert to its original name of Deyowenoguhdoh, or Divided Island.“The etymology of the word ‘squaw’ varies, and in every derivative the ... - The Buffalo News

Super pumped about more support rolling in! Spread the word! Nia:wen

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Poster - How To Be An Ally To Indigenous Peoples click link for purchase

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TW for violence against women, gender violence

Artist to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper: I Will Tweet One Portrait of a Missing/Murdered Woman Each Day

“Toronto-based cartoonist and illustrator Evan Munday is applying his talents to a campaign to raise consciousness about Canada’s missing or murdered Indigenous women (often referred to as MMIW). Actually, the consciousness he’s interested in raising is that of a specific person: Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Munday has pledged to tweet one portrait of a missing or murdered woman to Harper every day. Here’s how his announcement unfolded on his@idontlikemundayTwitter feed:

Over 1186 indigenous women have gone missing / been murdered in Canada since 1980. There have been outcries for public inquiry. #MMIW (1/3)

Our PM said an inquiry into the missing women ‘isn’t really high on our radar.’ So I’m trying a small thing to make it higher. #MMIW (2/3)

Starting on Jan 5, I’ll tweet@pmharperan illustration of a missing or murdered indigenous woman daily. To adjust his radar. #MMIW (3/3)

Read the full piece here

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More Buffalo Rising Coverage.....also, comments SMH

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First Event: Nia:wen Sewakwékon

Thanks to everyone who braved to blustery Buffalo cold to make it out to our first event! We had a good turnout and some great questions regarding the issues surrounding Squ•w Island Park. Good to see such an interest!

In keeping with the goal of Nekanehsakt, I'd like to direct Indigenous Allies attention to this resource that provides some excellent reading regarding how to be an ally. Our goal is to provide a space for understanding and support of Indigenous peoples, communities and nations and various Indigenous issue via education of non-Native supporters.

http://unsettlingminnesota.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/um_sourcebook_jan10_revision.pdf Our next meeting will be held at Burning Books (420 Connecticut st Buffalo NY) on January 20 at 5:30 pm. We will be discussing plans for upcoming film screenings, a reading group, and taking suggestions for any films, speakers, etc.  Please be sure to spread the word, like us on FB (https://www.facebook.com/nekanehsakt)

Niawen!

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Come on out tonight!

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Meetings, Events, $$LOGO CONTEST$$, News, Updates

She:kon Sewakwékon - 

MEETINGS: All are welcome to attend our regular meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month, 5:30pm at Burning Books (420 Connecticut st Buffalo NY14213) a few blocks west of Richmond ave. Snack to share always great.

                   Next meetings: January 6th, 2014 5:30 pm @ Burning Books

                                            January 20th, 2014 5:30 pm @Burning Books

EVENTS:

       • January 8th, 7:00 pm @ Burning Books: Squaw Island - Why Does It             Matter? presentation by Tyendinaga Mohawk scholar-activist and                 Nekanehsakt member Jodi Lynn Maracle regarding the history                     behind and broad impact of the s-word, the island and the present               attempts to rename the island.  

       • January 29th 7:00pm @ Burning Books: Indigenous Peoples' Climate           March talk with Joe Hill (Seneca) - Joe Hill has participated in many             marches and actions to defend our mother the earth including one of           the largest in recent history, the Indigenous Peoples' Climate March             in New York City this past September. 

$$LOGO CONTEST$$: We are holding a contest for a logo for Nekanehsakt: Friends of Ekwehewe!! Spread the word! Cash prize! 

NEWS/UPDATES: We are continuing our work regarding the name change of Squaw Island though things are moving slowly, in part due to the nature of sifting through legal records and in part due to the holiday.

EASY THINGS TO DO TO SUPPORT/HELP:

•Please contact your local Buffalo Common Council member (find out emails/ who your council member is here: https://www.ci.buffalo.ny.us/Home/Leadership/CommonCouncil )

• Email members of Community Development Committee: 

•Email Council member Golombek:  jgolombek@city-buffalo.com

• Email Mayor Byron Brown: mayor@city-buffalo.com

• Email Timothy Ball, head of Corporation COuncil law department: tball@city-buffalo.com

• Spread the word about the petition ( https://www.change.org/p/buffalo-common-council-councilman-joseph-golombek-jr-change-the-name-of-squaw-island-park-in-buffalo-ny )

We are not the first to attempt to change the name of this island. Others in the past have gained the support of Buffalo Common Council before. However, in time, the issue fades, people are ignored and the matter dies. It is important to keep reminding Mayor Byron Brown, Council member Golombek and Timothy Ball that this is unacceptable and needs to change ASAP. Not tomorrow. Not five years from now. NOW. 

As always, spread the word, come to the next meeting, and any questions, comments, concerns: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nekanehsakt  Gmail: Nekanehsakt@gmail.com

Enskwaken ta'otnona!

See you all soon!

-j-

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Letters of Support

She:kon tahnon Skennenkowa Sewakwekon- 

While the Buffalo Common Council Community Development Committee is meeting tomorrow, the proposed name change of Squ@w Island has been "tabled". We will collect letters of support form various Native nations and community members in the area, submit to re-open the matter, and present various letters, continued petition signatures and any findings we have regarding whose land the island is. 

Below, a letter of support from Donna Loring who worked to eradicate the word from all public lands in the State of Maine: "Native women according to national statistics quoted to Congress about the Violence Against Women Act states that Native women and girls have a two out of three chance of being assaulted or raped, meaning that two out of three Native women will be raped or assaulted in their lifetime. When we use a derogatory name like the "S" word it adds to the disrespect of our mothers, daughters, sisters and generations of Native people. It is a form of dehumanization and we have it in our power to change these seeds of hatred and disrespect that are planted all over this country. Each city, town and State has the power to change this by simple acts of respect such as changing a derogatory name for native women. It is simply the right thing to do."

- Donna Loring, former Penobscot Nation Tribal Representative to the Maine State  Legislature, former Councilmember of the Penobscot Nation, First female Sheriff in the state of Maine

Nia:wenkowa Donna!

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Letters of Support

She:kon Sewakwekon-

Chief Ava Hill from Six Nations wrote a letter to Mayor Byron Brown supporting a swift name change of the island. ( http://buffalorising.com/2014/12/chief-hill-asks-mayor-brown-to-support-renaming-of-squaw-island/#comment-340575 )

We will also be submitting letters from the Seneca Nation of Indians as well as the Tuscarora Nation.

Hopefully this will help keep the matter moving forward to resolution rather than falling to the wayside as in previous attempts.

We have begun an allied organization called Nekanehsakt: Friends of the Ekwehewe. Tuscarora for: Tow houses standing next to each other: Friends of the Onkwehonwe/Native peoples.

Please like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nekanehsakt ) for continued udates on this and many other matters coming up in the future.

Niawen!

Jodi Lynn Maracle

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Squ*w Island Update

Dec 7, 2014 — She:kon Sewakwekon! Hopefully everyone is doing well and staying warm.  First and foremost, I hope that you will all join me on Let's Talk Native radio show with John Kane this evening at 9:00pm. Listen in or even call in! The show can be heard live streaming here ( http://media.espn1520.com/lets-talk-native.htm ) or visit the show's page on Facebook for more info ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalknative/ ).  There has been a lot of coverage regarding the name change so please feel free to peruse some of the articles, editorials and videos here (positive and negative included here): http://buffalo.twcnews.com/content/789771/common-council-seeks-to-remove-racist-term-from-buffalo-park/ http://www.wkbw.com/news/native-americans-ask-city-of-buffalo-to-rename-island http://buffalorising.com/2014/11/squaw-island-time-to-change-the-name/ http://wivb.com/2014/12/02/committee-considers-renaming-squaw-island/ http://buffalorising.com/2014/11/squaw-island-time-to-change-the-name/ http://buffalo.com/2014/12/03/featured/closer-look-alexander-o-levys-squaw-island-winter-eve/ http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/11/19/sign-petition-change-name-squaw-island-park-buffalo-157902 http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/buffalo/common-council-is-asked-to-change-name-of-squaw-island-20141125 http://www.buffalonews.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/letter-renaming-squaw-island-might-open-the-floodgates-20141207 Also, I don't really understand reddit (embarrassing) but here's a reddit thread about all of this:http://www.reddit.com/r/Buffalo/comments/2n75uy/squaw_island_controversy_should_it_be_renamed/ Last Tuesday, I was slated to speak to the Community Development Committee however they concluded their meeting prior to my arrival. I was informed that the "matter" has been sent over to the City of Buffalo's legal department since their are some "jurisdictional issues".  Councilmember Golombek cited the fact that the island rests near an international boundary, however, it is more likely the case that the City of Buffalo has no rights to the island.  According to a publication from the Buffalo Historical Society in 1879, the island was gifted to Captain Parish, "their favorite agent and interpreter, as an acknowledgement, says the record, of his many services in their behalf". After that, it appears that Captain Parish then sold it to Henry F. Penfield Esq in 1823. Furthermore, as per Councilmember Fronczak's research, as of 1932, the City of Buffalo was looking into purchasing the island.  As it stands, it will be a while before the island can be renamed. The city of Buffalo cannot rename what it never held jurisdiction over in the first place.  Please keep spreading the word since in previous attempts by other individuals to rename the island, the matter is often ignored until it dies down most likely due to these messy jurisdictional issues.  Nia:wen Sewakwekon! Jodi Lynn Maracle

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Nekanęhsakt: Friends of Ękwehęwę

Nekanęhsakt: Friends of Ękwehęwę

Nekanęhsakt: Two houses standing next to each other

Ękwehęwę: Tuscarora word for Indigenous peoples meaning “real human

beings”.

  Mission Statement:

Nekanęhsakt: Friends of Ękwehęwę is a collection of Western New Yorkers committed to supporting the efforts of Ękwehęwę living both on and off territory as well as nearby Ękwehęwę nations. We will collaborate with Native nations, communities and individuals to promote justice, reconciliation and healing. We believe that we, and the wider community, can learn from Ękwehęwę nations about living more peacefully with one another and more harmoniously with the Earth.

  Vision Statement:

As a result of settler-colonial presence upon Turtle Island (North America), the future of all generations, regardless of national or ethnic affiliation is at risk. The predatory capitalist system brought to this continent by settlers serves as the driving force in a long history of abuse, exploitation and genocide. For the benefit of all peoples, past, present and future, we, as non-indigenous people, will look to Indigenous peoples’ to learn how to protect the Earth and move forward in a spirit of reconciliation, friendship and healing. As allies toĘkwehęwę, our support of Indigenous actions towards sovereignty, human rights and justice for the Earth will not only benefit current generations and honor generations past, but, most importantly, will ensure an Earth is left for the faces yet to come.  We are thankful to Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON), another allied organization, for their inspiration.

              The goals of Nekanęhsakt: Friends of Ękwehęwę:

  • Promote understanding of and respect for Ękwehęwę neighbors and their culture, history and role within the larger Western New York community

  •Promote understanding of and respect for all marginalized groups within the Western New York community and promote understanding of shared issues

  •Provide accurate information regarding Indigenous peoples’ current issues, as well as history, culture and role in the larger Western New York community

  •Challenge widespread racism towards Ękwehęwę peoples through education, relationship building and encouraging shared experiences between people of all nations

  •Support and collaborate with Ękwehęwę nations and peoples on Turtle Island and beyond, in their initiatives to promote sovereignty environmental healing, restorative justice, and respectful relationships.

  •Advocate for just and fair treatment of Ękwehęwę peoples at all levels of government and in everyday relations.

    We ask those who work with us to follow these organizational guidelines:

  1.)  Our role is that of an ally to the Indigenous peoples of this land. We look to Ękwehęwę for guidance regarding what type of support is needed and what activities are useful.

  2.)   The focus of our work is to provide a space for non-Ękwehęwę to act as positive allies.

  3.)  It is our policy to confer with Ękwehęwę as we develop new projects and about the content of any written materials for public use.

  4.)  We do not engage in any activities which are not welcomed by Ękwehęwę nations and communities.

  5.)  We strive to have an ongoing collaborative relationship with Ękwehęwę in all aspects of our work.

  6.)  As allies, we do not speak for Indigenous peoples, nations or communities.