You may attend a ceremony in Plattsburgh this month, honoring Mohawk people and presenting new works of art to the city. The dedication of the Haudenosaunee (Mohawk) Creation Story Sculptures is set for Saturday, June 11th at Peace Point Park. The clay pieces reference the creation story of the Mohawk people and result from the efforts of the Tsi ietsenhtha Plattsburgh Art Project, a coalition made of Northeastern residents, including Mohawk people and non-native people. Learn more about the turtle sculpture with this report by Jack LaDuke.
The turtle sculpture will be joined by sculptures of Sky Woman and the Three Sisters.
The traditional symbols on the sculptures were co-created by Natasha Smoke Santiago and Emily Kasennisaks (“Looking for a Name”) Stacey, both Mohawk woman of the Turtle Clan. Ms. Stacey is a local presenter and educator for Mohawk people and non-natives. The clay sculptures were made by Ms. Santiago, an internationally-known Mohawk potter.
On June 11, the ceremony in Peace Point Park begins at 11 am and goes until 1 pm.
Peace Point Park is close to the Plattsburgh City Marina at the end of Bridge Street, and there is parking at the City Marina. The address is 4 Dock Street, Plattsburgh. Everyone is invited to come and join in!
Tom Porter – Sakokwenionkwas (“The One Who Wins”) Mohawk/Bear Clan, Elder and Spiritual leader – will open with The Words Before All Else, and then tell the Creation Story.
Members of the Tsi ietsenhtha Plattsburgh Art Project, who worked to make this artwork happen, will talk briefly about the meaning of the sculptures, and about the process and collaborations that brought us to this day.
Plattsburgh Mayor Chris Rosenquest will speak, and the sculptures will formally be gifted to the City.
Beginning shortly after 12:00 pm, five Cultural Educators from the Native North American Traveling College (NNATC) (nnatc.org) will present traditional dances and songs. Everyone is encouraged to take part in this immersive educational experience led by their Travel Troupe.
There will be a tent, in case shelter is needed from either rain or bright sun. Some chairs will be provided, and feel free to bring your own chair and water.
Before coming to the Dedication, two of NNATC’s Cultural Educators will have a “show and tell” at the Plattsburgh Public Library at 10 am. Both the library and dedication events are open to all, family-friendly and free.
Learn more about the work of Natasha Smoke Santiago with this report by Spotlight producer Paul Larson, from his series on Native American Artistry.