Skywoman, Iotsitsisen (Mature Flower), from the Haudenosaunee Creation Story, by John Fadden, colorized by David Fadden.

The Tsi ietsenhtha Plattsburgh Art Project and CEFLS libraries are presenting a series of events this fall to help build a bridge between the more than 4,000 Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people who live in Northeastern New York, and those who may be unfamiliar with their rich culture. The events, to be hosted by various local libraries, include storytelling, film, crafts and singing, are designed to foster communication and understanding of diverse cultures.

Tsi ietsenhtha is the Mohawk name for Plattsburgh, meaning “where one scoops water.” It is also a reminder that the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois, were here centuries before Samuel de Champlain “discovered” his namesake lake in 1609. 

The Tsi ietsenhtha Art Project is a group of Mohawk and non-Native members which has contributed exhibits and sculpture to public spaces in Plattsburgh, said member Penny Clute. It has also added context and interpretation, from a Haudenosaunee perspective, of the arrival of Champlain and his fellow Europeans. Among the most striking is the Haudenosaunee Creation Story, which describes how the world was created when Sky Woman fell from the sky. It goes on to tell how a turtle came to hold the world on its back, and North America became known as Turtle Island.

Events in Clinton County were made possible by funds received through the tobacco settlement. The Lake Placid Education Foundation of the Adirondack Foundation funded the programs that will be offered in Franklin and Essex Counties. More events are expected to be announced as they are added to the schedule.

Events

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