A GATHERING FOR PEACE AT GANONDAGAN
by Edgar Brown
When a prophet called the Peacemaker came among the Haudenosaunee
(Iroquois), he told them that people of healthy body and healthy mind
naturally seek a state of peace.
In this quincentennial year for America, Ganondagan State Historic
Site and the Friends of Ganondagan, Inc., wish to present an event for peace
encompassing more than the anniversary of the site's dedication or an
observance of Turtle Island's "discovery" by Europeans. On Saturday, August
1, 1992, the Friends of Ganondagan will host the Great Law of Peace Gathering
at Ganondagan State Historic Site.
The Great Law of Peace Gathering seeks to introduce the Peacemaker's
message to a wider audience. Founded on the principles of Health,
Righteousness, and Power, the Great Law of Peace has sustained the
Haudenosaunee and kept their culture intact for centuries. It still contains
an important message for all people in these modern times.
The Peace Gathering also marks the Ganondagan portion of the Journey
of the Peacemaker. Beginning at the birthplace of the Peacemaker in
Tyendinaga, Canada, this week-long trip traces the life and work of the man
who brought peace and unity to the Haudenosaunee. The Journey, led by Cayuga
Chief Jacob Thomas, foremost interpreter of th Iroquois Great Law of Peace,
will visit other New York State sites of historic significance to the league's
formation. Ganondagan, the Seneca "Town of Peace," was the home to the first
person to accept the Peacemaker's message. This woman is known and honored as
the Mother of Nations for her role in helping Hyanwentha and the Peacemaker to
form the League of the Haudenosaunee.
As the Peace Gathering's keynote speaker, Chief Thomas of Six Nations,
Canada, will talk about the Great Law and its relevance to all people. Other
Haudenosaunee scheduled to speak include Arlene Logan, Clayton, and Mohawk
Chief Jake Swamp. Joining them will be John Stokes, Phil Lucas, Vicki Lewin,
Cathy Grammar, and Doug McIntyre. On Friday evening, July 31, as part of the
Peace Gathering, the Baha'i National Committee on Women, the Friends of
Ganondagan, and the Memorial Art Gallery will sponsor the Native American
Women's Recognition Reception at the Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University
Avenue, Rochester. The Great Law of Peace Gahering concludes Saturday
evening, August 1 with dinner and Iroquois social dancing at Victor Central
School. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Ganondagan and by
Rochester's Seventh Generation Singers and Dancers. Attendance for all three
events is by pre-registration only and space is limited. ...
Before we can create peace in the world, we must first find peace in
ourselves. The Peace Gathering will be an opportunity to examine various
aspects of our lives that prevent us from living in harmony with the natural
world, ourselves and each other. The Peace Gathering seeks to empower people
to begin to make the changes necessary for a sustainable futue, to insure that
the seventh generation of those yet unborn are given all that the Creator
intended them to have.
For more information on the Journey of the Peacemaker, contact the Iroquoian
Institute, RR1, Wilsonville, Ontario N0E 1Z0, (519) 445-2097.
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For more information on the Great Law of Peace Gathering, call (716) 264-1506
or write to: Ganondagan State Historic Site, 1488 Victor-Holcomb Road,
Victor, New York 14564 for registration information and forms.