Widening the Perspective: Part 2. New York and the Haudenosaunee
Perhaps you’re familiar with Joseph Bruchac, the renowned children’s book author who was nurtured by the tales of his Abenaki grandparents. During a memorable journey to upstate New York to connect with relatives and delve into our ancestral roots, we had the pleasure of listening to three of his books. Each story offered a window into the lives of the indigenous peoples of the region, particularly the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois).
‘Children of the Long House’ transports us to the life of an 11-year-old Mohawk boy, Ohkwa’ri. He finds himself in a moral quandary upon overhearing a plan by his peers to raid a neighboring village, threatening the hard-won peace of their community. Set in the pre-colonial era, the narrative provides a glimpse into Mohawk living conditions and community dynamics, especially highlighting the critical role of LaCrosse, known as the ‘little brother of war,’ in resolving conflicts.
Experiencing the landscape of upstate New York firsthand, especially visiting Ganondagan—today’s Victor, NY—enhanced the storytelling. Ganondagan, the site of a 17th-century Seneca town, offered us a tangible connection to the past. The Seneca Art and Cultural Building there served as a gateway to understanding the Haudenosaunee contributions to art, culture, agriculture, and societal principles that have influenced modern concepts of democracy and women’s rights.
A walk through the interpretive trail, with stops at a reconstructed longhouse and a three-sisters garden, allowed us to step back in time and appreciate the sustainable living practices of the Seneca people. Our visit was not just educational but spiritually enriching, providing moments of reflection in the serene surroundings.
Our exploration also led us to confront the harrowing reality of the Doctrine of Discovery, which justified the colonization of non-Christian lands for centuries. Learning about its recent denouncement added a layer of historical context to our visit.
Visit Ganondagan here
‘The Peacemaker,’ another gem by Bruchac, narrates the formation of the Iroquois Confederacy through the eyes of a young boy caught between revenge and the desire for peace. This tale, coupled with our visit to the Akwesasne Cultural Center, painted a vivid picture of the resilience and cultural vibrancy of the Mohawk people. Despite restrictions on photography, the center’s exhibitions—from basketry to beadwork and ancient canoes—spoke volumes about the continuity and creativity of Indigenous craftsmanship.
Our journey didn’t stop at exploring the past. ‘The Legend of Skeleton Man’ and ‘The Return of Skeleton Man’ provided a contemporary touch to Bruchac’s storytelling, blending Mohawk culture with the thrilling escapades suited for young readers.
Savoring Akwesasne cuisine at the Bear Den was the perfect culmination to our journey, connecting us to the land and its people through the universal language of food.
Reflecting on our time in upstate New York, from the small town of Unadilla to the expansive cultural richness of the Haudenosaunee territories, I’m reminded of the deep ties that bind us to this land and its history. Despite our European ancestry, the stories and struggles of the Indigenous peoples resonate deeply, reminding us of the shared humanity that transcends cultural boundaries.
This trip was more than a mere vacation; it was a journey through time, culture, and self-discovery, kindled by the stories of Joseph Bruchac and the enduring spirit of the Indigenous peoples of New York.”
