Wampum Belt Teachings by the River

By: Jaclyn Hall

The Akwesasne Child and Family Services hosted a two-day wampum belt teaching workshop held at Atsiakta on August 28th and 29th. Co-presenters were Aronhiaies Herne, Mike McDonald and Darren Bonaparte, the two-day workshop was very educational to those fortunate enough to attend.

"We organized this event because our people need to know our original teachings and foundation. If we are going to heal, we need to address the matters that are hurting us. If we can help to strengthen the community, then we will. We need to keep these teachings alive," stated organizer Vicky Horne.

Even with two days to conduct the teachings, the presenters were only able to do condensed versions of the topics they chose to discuss. Although condensed, community members in attendance were given a tremendous amount historical information, cultural intelligence and traditional knowledge.

Topics such as the 14 strings of sympathy, which was presented by Aronhiaies Herne, were discussed. Having this ageless knowledge passed down since the time of peacemaker is a gift in itself. Every person in the room could relate to what was being said.

Aronhiaies Herne stated, "When it comes to loss of any kind, not just death, we mourn. These teachings can be used for anyone grieving, whether it's because of death, sickness, trauma, rape or abuse; it all causes us grief."

Some knowledge is not meant for the general public, but other pieces of knowledge are important for everyone, Native and non-native alike to know and understand. Darren Bonaparte, a historic researcher and presenter, came with many wampum belts to discuss during the wampum belt teachings. Many of the belts are agreements and commemorations made with the original settlers of the "New world", but are treated as a thing of the past by many. All of the wampum belts are living agreements, which are still being upheld by our people to this day.

Some people are fortunate enough to be taught about the wampum belts and their true meanings, while many must go out and look for the information and knowledge keepers, such as Darren Bonaparte has.

"I have been a student of Haudenosaunee history and culture for more than a quarter century. My research began with my home community of Akwesasne, and quickly expanded to the Mohawk Nation and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The St. Lawrence Iroquoians and the Seven Nations of Canada are also big blips on my research radar. I have documented the lives of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Colonel Louis Cook, and Saiowisakeron, also known as Jake Ice and John Fire," states Bonaparte.

Thanks to Darren, sharing the information and knowledge he holds, many more people are able to learn it and pass it on.