Museum & Science Center > Programs & Events
Hodinöšyö:Nih Days
(Haudenosaunee Days)
Come celebrate Hodinöšyö:nih (Haudenosaunee) culture–past and present-with artisans from the community.
About
Hear from storytellers as you immerse yourself in the vibrant art and culture of today’s Hodinöšyö:nih (Haudenosaunee) nations, and learn firsthand about the tradition of making cornhusk dolls, jewelry, beadwork, and baskets from local Hodinöšyö:nih artists as they bring the traditions of their culture to life through their art.
Scroll to explore the line-up of events!*
- Displays and demonstrations from Hodinöšyö:nih artisans (learn more below)
- Changemaker station and land acknowledgment
- Self-guided story corner featuring a collection of indigenous authors
Saturday & Sunday | 11am–3pm
tonia Galban
Basket Beginnings
Artisan showcase
Start here! Basket beginnings! Learning Haudenosaunee basketry starts with “The Smalls.” By learning how to make sunflower book markers, you learn the basics of traditional basketry. Come learn to make one with Mohawk Basketmaker Iakonikohnrio (Tonia Galban).
Learn more at ganondagan.org
Sunday | 11am–3pm
Michael Galban
Porcupine & Moose Hair Embroidery
Artisan Showcase
Michael will demonstrate the incredible art of porcupine and moose hair embroidery for the public. The art was originally developed by indigenous women in North America thousands of years ago. Michael promotes the reinvigoration of old art forms and actively teaches the techniques all over Turtle Island.
About the Artist:
Michael Galban is the Historic Site Manager of Ganondagan State Historic Site and the Curator of the Seneca Art & Culture Center. Ganondagan is a 17th-century Seneca town site and is nationally regarded as a center for Iroquoian history and cultural and environmental preservation. His current research focuses on historic woodland arts and Indigenous/Colonial history, and he lectures on the subject extensively. He sits on the board of directors of the Museum Association of New York (MANY), the editorial board of the New York History Journal, and is currently working in the Indigenous Working Group component of REV WAR 250th NY Commission.
Saturday | 11am & 1pm*
Perry Ground Onondaga, Turtle Clan
Storytelling presentation
Artisan Showcase
This storytelling presentation is filled with traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) legends that have been told for hundreds of years. These stories teach about the beliefs, customs, and history of the Haudenosaunee people. Storyteller Perry Ground will bring the stories to life through vivid descriptions, his rhythmic voice, and a VERY active stage presence.
These stories become “interactive” as Perry is known to include audience members in the stories. Elements of traditional Haudenosaunee lifestyle, pieces of historical information, and LOTS of humor are woven into each story. Discussion about the Haudenosaunee culture and the art of storytelling is also part of this program. Not just for children, all listeners (young and old) will find this presentation captivating, highly entertaining, yet very educational.
*Presentations have a limited capacity on a first-come, first-served basis. Presentations will begin promptly in the Bausch Auditorium-no late admittance.
Saturday & Sunday | 11am–3pm
Richard Hamell
Artisan Showcase
To the Native Americans, wampum was used for a multitude of purposes-not least of which was the binding truth to words “written” in wampum. So respected and important was it that an accompanying belt of wampum gave great solemnity to messages, speeches, and agreements. A message delivered via a wampum belt is said to have been greater than a thousand words. It is a living document and is accepted as truth. It was the seal, the proof of covenants made.
This presentation will be accompanied with a reproduction wampum belt display and describe the history of wampum and its vital role in trade and diplomacy and as treaty documents, some of which still stand today.
Saturday & Sunday | 11am, 1pm, 2pm*
Veronica Reitter Cornhusk Doll Workshop
Artisan Showcase
This cornhusk doll workshop will begin with the story of the No Face Doll and learning the significance of its lesson to all peoples. Workshop participants will then begin and complete the construction of this doll.
*Workshops have a limited capacity on a first come, first served basis. Reserve your spot using the sign-in sheet outside the Life Science Lab, then return to the Life Science Lab when it’s time for your workshop.
Workshops will begin promptly – no late admittance.
*Presenter schedule subject to change.
