TUSCARORA ENVIRONMENT

 TEN Final Thoughts

(Spring 2007)

Creation is the manifestation of energy through matter. Because the universe is made up of manifestations of energy, the options for that manifestation are infinite. But we have to admit that the way it has manifested itself is organized. in fact, it is the most intricate organization. We can't know how we impact on its law; we can talk only about how its law impacts upon us. We can make no judgement about nature. The Indian sense of natural law is that nature informs us and it is our obligation to read nature as you would a book, to feel nature as you would a poem, to be a part of that and step into its cycles as much as you can.

- John Mohawk, Seneca, a Haudenosaunee scholar and author. (1945-2006)

TEN Final Thoughts

(Summer 2007)

In the 17th century, at a council with the French officials, the Haudenosaunee leaders were asked to show evidence of their sovereignty. One of the leaders stepped forward. On the palm of his hand were tiny kernels of corn. By that simple act he meant that as long as we can feed ourselves, we can remain free and independent.

 TEN Final Thoughts

(Fall 2007)

To us [the Haudenosaunee], it does not matter whether it can be scientifically proved that life as we know it is in danger. If the possibility exists, we must live every day as if it were true - for we cannot afford, any of us, to ignore that possibility. We must learn to live with that shadow, and always strive toward the light.

- Carol Jacobs, Cayuga Bear clan mother, during a presentation to the United Nations, July 18, 1995.

TEN Final Thoughts

(Winter 2007)

To me, the Canandaigua Treaty [of 1794] is proof that Peace and Friendship will last a long time with compromise. What made it so great was that it was made by the great minds and hearts of great men who were wise to know that it should be that way. I would like the whole world to know about the Treaty. Maybe there wouldn't be so much fighting.

- Vernon "Barney" Jimerson, Seneca, in 1996 visiting the tomb of Timothy Pickering, the sole U.S. commissioner at the Canandaigua Treaty negotiations, in Salem, Massachusetts.