I wanted to begin by acknowledging that I write this (and most of my writing) from the traditional, unceded land of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, primarily the Kanien’keha:ka or Mohawk people.

I have always been a student of history with a deep interest in New York and Native Iroquois since childhood and have a deeper appreciation and understanding through my research for my book about St. Kateri. It is with that basis and love that I share some resources, for reading, for music, for traveling for some of the indigenous spaces in upstate New York and southern Canada.

Picture heavy below the cut.

I’ve mentioned the First Nations Version of the New Testament. It is a wonderful resource for Christians wanting to expand their spirituality. The InterVarsity publishers have a new First Nations Version for Psalms and Proverbs, available at their website.

Rain Song, the music of Terry and Darlene Wildman is also available digitally and on CD. I’ve attended their workshop/presentation and have two of their wonderful CDs.

To learn about the history and modern activities of the Haudenosaunee Conjfederacy, visit their website.

In Canada, read about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s work.

The National Museum of the American Indian is part of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

The Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada has a large First Nations exhibit including historical artifacts from across the continent as well as replica totem poles from the Nisgaa and Haida people of the Pacific Northwest.

Akwesasne Cultural Center (Library, Museum, Gallery) is located on the reservation that straddles the US (New York) and Canada (Ontario).

Akwesasne holds its annual pow wow on the Saturday and Sunday following Labor Day.

Iroquois Museum, Schoharie, NY

National Shrine & Historic Site of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha in Fonda, NY

St. Francis Xavier Mission Church and Canada National Saint Kateri Shrine in Kahnawake, Quebec, Canada

Located on the shores of the St. Lawrence Seaway, across from Montreal, Kahanwake offers much to see. Kahnawake Tourism offers historic village tours, tours of the mission church and shrine, language and cultural activiies and are currently building a new cultural center.

Kahnawake holds its annual Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow wow in the middle of July.

The Mohawk Valley in upstate New York has been home to the Mohawk people for thousands of years, and in the 1990s, they returned to their ancestral homeland where there is a community “grounded in Rotinonhsionni culture,” continuing its centuries old language, land management, and social structure. During the last weekend in June, the Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community holds their strawberry festival, with food, music, dancing, and vendors.

At the moment they are raising money for a new tractor for the community. If you are in a position to help or to just spread the word, here is the link to their Go Fund Me.