Cultural Sensitivity Training with D.E.C. in Onondaga

Written by Noah Point (HETF)

On November 18th, 2010, Onondaga Nation hosted an eight-hour Cultural Sensitivity Training session, which was organized by H.E.T.F. and the Haudenosaunee Standing Committee. The training was held at the Onondaga Nation Longhouse. In all, there were approximately 70 to 75 people who attended.

The training was created in order to educate and therefore enhance the relationship between the Haudenosaunee and State agencies. As we identify that Haudenosaunee culture differs so much from Western European cultures, we recognize working together on environmental issues and impacts on our lands, it seemed imperative to demonstrate how the Haudenosaunee work and relate to the natural environment.

Special guest speakers attended the meeting to present various aspects of the Haudenosaunee culture and historical background, which pertains to the ongoing relationship between non-natives and the Haudenosaunee. Some of the speakers included Mike McDonald, Tom Porter, Henry Lickers and Oren Lyons.

Kingsley Lyons of the Onondaga Nation started with the Opening to begin the training followed by Howard Thompson who translated the Opening into English for the group and explained the Three Bare Words.

The training began with Dave Arquette’s introduction to the Cultural Sensitivity Training and its goals and by introducing the first guest speaker, Tom Porter.

Tom Porter, from Kanatsiohareke, talked about the origins of the Great Law and how the Haudenosaunee is still using this teaching from our Creator to this day.

The next speaker after Tom Porter was Henry Lickers who discussed naturalized knowledge systems. He brought to the meeting knowledge of how we are to take care of our environment so that our environment will take care of us.

Closing the morning, the Onondaga Nation cooks prepared a special meal for the group. Everyone who attended the training got the chance to have a traditional meal of Corn Soup, Fried Bread, and Strawberry drink along with several different pies for dessert.

During the afternoon, the next guest speakers, Mike McDonald and Oren Lyons, brought to the group knowledge of the different wampums and a short historical background between the Haudenosaunee and the European settlers. Mike McDonald explained the meanings of the two-row wampum, and the Hiawatha belt while Oren went through history in our relationship with the settlers and different congressional highlights and recordings.

In all, the training was a success, which raised the possibility for further training like this one in the future. As the sun began to set, the meeting was closed by Jake Edwards of the Onondaga Nation. After the closing the group came together for a group photo in front of the Onondaga longhouse while sharing stories and mingling with each other before they departed home.