Onondaga Land Rights & Our Common Future II Series kicks off Feb. 8

“Brighten the Chain: Treaty Commitments” is the opening event of the major educational collaboration Onondaga Land Rights & Our Common Future II to be held on Monday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. at Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse.

“Four years ago, hundreds of Central New Yorkers participated enthusiastically in our first series,” notes Syracuse University Native Student Program director and series organizer Regina Jones. “We’re delighted by the participation of so many more educational institutions this time and excited about the diversity of the program topics.”

The opening program will feature a short video, followed by reflections from Haudenosaunee Tadadaho Sid Hill, Onondaga Chief Jake Edwards, Onondaga Clanmother Audrey Shenandoah, Onondaga environmental activist and midwife Jeanne Shenandoah and University of Rochester education professor and Onondaga Stephanie Waterman. SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor will provide welcoming remarks.

The series is coordinated by Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON) and sponsored by SU, SUNY-ESF, Le Moyne College, Empire State College, Onondaga Community College, seven other colleges and universities in the region, Interfaith Works, the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation and the Syracuse Center of Excellence.

“’Brighten the Chain’ refers to strengthening and renewing our agreements and commitments to each other,” says NOON member and series organizer Sue Eiholzer. “This opening program will set the stage for addressing the issues we will explore in greater detail over the coming year. This is an opportunity for all of us to deepen our knowledge of the Onondaga Nation and the critical historical, social and environmental issues of concern to us all and to Brighten the Chain that connects us.”

The series of 13 diverse programs, which continue through December, is free and open to the public. Syracuse Stage is wheelchair accessible, and CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation) will be provided for the hearing impaired. The presentation will be followed by a reception and the opportunity for small group discussions.

For the full series schedule, visit www.peacecouncil.net/noon or call (315) 472-5478.