Syracuse Sun

Rematriation, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting Indigenous women's voices, is collaborating with Syracuse University's Center for Global Indigenous Cultures and Environmental Justice and the Syracuse University Libraries Special Collections Research Center. Together, they will host an academic symposium centered on Haudenosaunee and Indigenous matrilineality. This event is scheduled from February 28 to March 2 at Syracuse University, situated on Onondaga lands within the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

The symposium's objective is to present Indigenous matrilineal knowledge as a framework for addressing significant social and environmental issues. It will feature a keynote panel discussion with Robin Wall Kimmerer, a New York Times bestselling author and Potawatomi botanist, alongside Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs, a Mohawk Bear Clan member known for her work in film and television.

Michelle Schenandoah G’19, an Oneida Nation Wolf Clan member and founder of Rematriation, will host the keynote event. The panel will also include traditional leaders such as Mohawk Bear Clan Mother "Mommabear" Louise Herne and Onondaga Hawk Clan Chief Ohsgoñ:da’ Spencer Lyons. Additionally, Samantha Doxtator from the Oneida Nation Wolf Clan will deliver a presentation on Haudenosaunee astronomy.

Schenandoah states that the symposium builds upon seven years of foundational work by Rematriation. She emphasizes its role in presenting Haudenosaunee and Indigenous matrilineal knowledge as a means to tackle global challenges. "This is a precious opportunity to engage with Indigenous knowledge holders," she notes.

Nicolette Dobrowolski from SCRC expresses anticipation for the event's impact: “We look forward to the symposium inspiring deeper reflection... related to the significance of matrilineality across... broader communities.”

For those unable to attend all three days, there is an option to join just the keynote event on March 1 from 6 to 10 p.m., which is open to everyone.

Further details about registration can be found at https://rematriation.com/symposium-attendees/.