We would like to invite you to participate in a March for Haudenosaunee
Women's Rights to be held in front of the James M. Hanley Federal Building
located at 100 S. Clinton St., Syracuse N. Y. on September 14, 1995 from
10:00am to 1:00pm. This location was chosen for the march because the
United States Federal government, specifically the Department of Interior,
Bureau of Indian Affairs, is reviewing an incorporation document that will
further endanger the next Seven Generations for every member of the
Haudenosaunee, Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy.
One role of Haudenosaunee Women in our traditional native society is, as
bearers of life, to assure that a sustainable environment exists for the
next Seven Generations. The Oneida Nation in New York has removed the role
of Haudenosaunee women in their decision making process, even though the
traditional Oneida government is a matrilineal system. It appears that a
few men have been and are continuing to make decisions for the Oneida Nation
ignoring the rights of women in our native society. Haudenosaunee women
have no voice in decision making nation meetings, all of their concerns and
input must be approved of by a designated spokesman. If the spokesman does
not wish to voice an issue the women have no recourse. If the women speak
out directly in meetings they risk removal by the Oneida Nation Police
Force. Please be aware that the majority of the Oneida Nation members know
nothing about a proposed incorporation document that will endanger their
lands, moneys and rights of the Oneida people.
We are inviting all women to participate in the March for Haudenosaunee
Women's Rights. Haudenosaunee women have a strong role in their
government. The Haudenosaunee women have the ability to raise Chiefs and
remove them if they are not following the direction of the people. The
Haudenosaunee women hold the title of the land. The children of the
Haudenosaunee follow their mother's clan.
Native women have greatly influenced the Women's Rights Movement. The role
of the non-native women was much different before contact with native women
many years ago. The Haudenosaunee leaders counseled the Founding Fathers
of this country years ago about the role of women in the native society.
The Founding Fathers adopted the structure of the Haudenosaunee government
but left the role of women out of it.
Come to the march and show your support. We appreciate your help in
regaining the voice and respect of our Oneida women. For more information
contact Lorna at (315)699-4120 or John at (315)475-9821.