Page 30 - Restorative Journey: Indigenous Educational Wellness

Voice Perspective
The Two Row Wampum belt (Figure 12)
is one of the treaties that was first used
by the Five Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy when the Great Law of Peace, Power and Good Mind/Righteousness united the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca Nations approximately 1,000 years ago.
The Two Row Wampum symbolizes everlasting equality between genders and nations through peace and friendship. This ancient treaty continues to be honoured. The inclusion of the Tuscarora Nation in the early 1700s created the Six Nations.
The Two Row Wampum was also the original treaty made between the Haudenosaunee and the Dutch in 1613, followed by
the British and the French. This treaty
– recognizing the right to distinct culture, language, beliefs, governance, and territory – was to be honoured:
As long as the grass grows, As long as the rivers flow, As long as the sun shall rise.
At this time of reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and descendants of European colonizers, who are now joined by new Canadians, we must reassert and honour treaty agreements, restore the promised friendship, and heal the international relationships and boundaries that were violated when treaties were broken.
Elizabeth Doxtater
This designated time of truth and reconciliation can be difficult. Reconciliation is a concept that was announced to Indigenous peoples. It was not negotiated with Indigenous leaders. Any consultation with Indigenous communities was done quietly.
There is confusion around how we can reconcile. Various organizations
often reach out to individuals from Indigenous communities to support their reconciliatory efforts.
However, if we follow the symbolism of the Two Row, with Indigenous peoples in their canoe and treaty partners sharing a vessel and struggling to understand reconciliation, then Indigenous peoples can honour
the ancestral promise of eternal peace and friendship, and offer assistance.
The grass still grows, the rivers still flow, and the sun still rises.
22 Commemoration • Education • Healing/Wellness