Rematriation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting Indigenous women’s voices, is partnering with Syracuse University’s Center for Global Indigenous Cultures and Environmental Justice and the Syracuse University Libraries Special Collections Research Center to host an academic symposium on Haudenosaunee and Indigenous matrilineality. The symposium will take place Feb. 28 to March 2 on the Syracuse University’s campus, located on Onondaga lands in the heart of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
The symposium aims to share Indigenous matrilineal knowledge as a powerful framework for addressing critical social and environmental issues. It features a keynote panel discussion with New York Times bestselling author and Potawatomi botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer and Mohawk Bear Clan member Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs, filmmaker and actor in “Reservation Dogs” and Marvel’s “What If… Kahhori Reshaped the World” episode.
The symposium’s keynote event will be hosted by Oneida Nation Wolf Clan member Michelle Schenandoah G’19, founder and executive lead of Rematriation.
Panelists also include traditional Haudenosaunee Confederacy leaders, Mohawk Bear Clan Mother “Mommabear” Louise Herne and Onondaga Hawk Clan Chief Ohsgoñ:da’ Spencer Lyons. The evening includes a special presentation on the celestial worldview embedded in Haudenosaunee astronomy by Oneida Nation Wolf Clan member Samantha Doxtator.
“Arising out of seven years of foundational work by Rematriation, the symposium presents Haudenosaunee and Indigenous matrilineal knowledge as a praxis to address critical global challenges,” says Schenandoah. “This is a precious opportunity to engage with Indigenous knowledge holders and allies to understand how Indigenous knowledge can provide sustainable pathways for all peoples and future generations.”
Nicolette Dobrowolski, director of the SCRC, says “We look forward to the symposium inspiring deeper reflection, meaningful discussion and innovative research, scholarship and action related to the significance of matrilineality across the Syracuse University campus and broader communities. SCRC is truly honored to partner with Rematriation in helping to amplify the voices, stories and influence of Haudenosaunee and Indigenous women.”
For those unable to attend the three-day symposium, the keynote event on Saturday, March 1, from 6 to 10 p.m. is a stand-alone event open to all. To purchase tickets for the keynote event, click here.
For more information and to register for the symposium, visit https://rematriation.com/symposium-attendees/.
