‘Haudenosaunee Culture: Sharing the River of Life’ to be presented on May 18

On May 18, “Haundenosaunee Culture: Sharing the River of Life” will be presented with an art reception and peace treaty and canoeing presentation from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Waterman Conservation Center in Apalachin. The presentation is free, and is open to the public. 

From 6:30 to 7 p.m., and art reception will feature a relief sculpture, which will be on display commemorating the Haudenosaunee way of life, the water cycle, and peace between cultures. Visual artist Karen Kucharski created the artwork, with production support from contractor Chip Stocks of Tioga Center. The artwork will be installed on the Waterman grounds this summer.

From 7 to 8 p.m., Hickory Edwards will present “Two Row” Peace Treaty and Traditional Canoeing. Edwards, who is a member of the Turtle Clan, Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, will share stories of his paddling adventures on traditional waterways as he re-energizes Haudenosaunee customs.

Excursions include the historic 2013 commemoration trek from Onondaga Nation down the Hudson River to New York City and the United Nations, and a paddling journey in 2014 to deliver a message of peace, friendship, and clean water to Washington, D.C. Consider joining in one of Hickory’s treks as you hear of his latest canoe and kayaking projects.

This is the last presentation in the seven-part series, “Haudenosaunee Culture: Sharing the River of Life.” Hickory Edwards will give the program’s closing Thanksgiving Address according to Haudenosaunee tradition.

This project is made possible, in part, with public funds from NYSCA’s Decentralization Program, administered regionally by The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes.

Waterman Conservation Education Center is located at 403 Hilton Rd. in Apalachin. For more information, call (607) 625-2221 or visit www.watermancenter.org.