Land Acknowledgement and Resurgence: Unveiling of 'Gayaneñhsä•ʔgo•nah' by Onondaga Artist Brandon Lazore

In recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day, Syracuse University unveiled Gayaneñhsä•ʔgo•nah ("The Great Law of Peace") by Onondaga Artist Brandon "Ganyada•kda" Lazore. The artwork is the focal point of a larger installation that serves to acknowledge the relationship between Syracuse University and the Onondaga Nation and the University's presence on ancestral land.

"Unity. Duality. Contribution. Influence. Longevity. These are just a few of the themes conveyed by a stunning and thought-provoking new piece of artwork gracing the landscape of the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle on campus."

"Gayaneñhsä•ʔgo•nah" (Guy-AH-na Set GO-na, which translates to "the Great Law of Peace"), was created by artist Brandon "Ganyada•kda" Lazore, Onondaga Nation, Snipe Clan, is situated on the southeast corner of the Quad outside Bowne Hall and across from the Orange Grove.

The artwork is the focal point of a larger installation that serves to acknowledge, in an enduring and prominent way, the relationship between Syracuse University and the Onondaga Nation and the University's presence on ancestral land.

Members of the campus community and members of the Onondaga Nation had the opportunity to view the artwork at an unveiling ceremony on Indigenous Peoples Day, Monday, Oct. 10th.

The ceremony included the delivery of a Thanksgiving Address by Tadodaho Sidney Hill, Onondaga Nation, and remarks by Chancellor Kent Syverud, Lazore, and Syracuse University staff and alumni who have worked to bring this project to life, including Tammy Bluewolf-Kennedy '04, G'10 and Danielle Smith '18, G'20, Onondaga Nation, hawk clan.

The commissioning of "Gayaneñhsä•ʔgo•nah" was advocated for by a dedicated group of students, staff and alumni – including representatives from Indigenous Students at Syracuse (ISAS), the Native Student Program and the Ongwehonwe Alumni Association, to provide additional context and awareness of the land acknowledgement that is read aloud at all public University events. It's intention is to honor the Onondaga Nation and its past, present and future on these lands, and to invite reflection and action that fosters meaningful and accountable relationships and opportunities that extend to all.

The artwork by Lazore, a respected and self-taught local artist known for his signature style blending graffiti art with elements of traditional Haudenosaunee culture, was selected by students and alumni after he responded to a call for artist submissions.

Lazore says "Gayaneñhsä•ʔgo•nah" attempts to educate viewers on a deeper and lesser-known version of history while celebrating the vast contributions of Haudenosaunee peoples to concepts critical to what is now known as the United States-including democracy, peace, harmony, respect for nature and women's rights.

"I named it 'Gayaneñhsä•ʔgo•nah' because the story of the Peacemaker and our formation as a Confederacy is really at the center of the art," Lazore says. "For the rest of the painting, I showed some of what came about as a result of this peace and unity-the influence that our people had on the forming of the United States, our meetings with the founding fathers, our impact on the women's rights movement, a nod to lacrosse, which is a big part of our creation story, and our connection to land, nature and the elements."

The landscape immediately surrounding "Gayaneñhsä•ʔgo•nah" was also carefully re-thought under this project. White pines, purple and white flowers and granite – including six granite pillars representing the six nations comprising the Haudenosaunee Confederacy – were selected for the site to not only withstand the elements of Central New York but to articulate a connection to the natural world.

Lazore told Indian Time, "I'm honored to have been chosen to have my artwork on Syracuse University Quad. This installation will educate thousands of students and locals about the Haudenosaunee's contributions to this country and world."

After the unveiling, everyone was invited by ISAS and the Native Student Program in Multicultural Affairs for the Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on the Quad. The celebration acknowledged the sovereignty and history of Indigenous peoples of the Americas and included a social dance of Haudenosaunee singers and dancers while teaching and learning about Indigenous history.

"Brandon Lazore's extraordinary artwork will spark and sustain thought, dialogue, and action for generations to come," says the Rev. Brian Konkol, Dean of Hendricks Chapel, who has helped facilitate the project. "To witness the dedicated efforts and generous teamwork of students, alumni, faculty and staff was an honor, and such strong support from the Onondaga Nation and Syracuse University inspires a great deal of hope."