I sincerely hope that someone posts a write-up on this event. It is of real
concern when, in the guise of "modernization" or "return", the very basis
of what was, and to a historically varrying degree, a matrilineal/matrilocal
form of internal government is dis-engendered (actually re-engendered out of
the prior balance of responsibilities) to conform, along the lines of gender,
to that of the dominant culture.
: 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...
I'm sorry that I was unable to walk with these Oneida women and their sisters
from other Six Nations and neighboring Nations. Please keep us informed.
Kitakitamatsinopowaw (I'll see you again)
-- Eric Brunner