Page 31 - Restorative Journey: Indigenous Educational Wellness

The Silver Covenant Chain
Figure 13: The Friendship Belt replica presented to the Ontario College of Teachers by First Nations artist, Elizabeth Doxtater, refers to the Silver Covenant Chain Agreement.
Ka‘sw^ta (Oneida language, Figure 13)
is an extension of the Two Row Wampum.
It binds newcomers to a promise to protect education, welfare of the people, and ongoing trade, or Yukwanowayahtu (Oneida language), in exchange for living in our homelands. The Silver Covenant Chain is an important symbol for Indigenous negotiators. The three links represent peace, friendship, and respect, or Atatkwennyénhtshera Nikarihó:ten (Mohawk language), which are the customary baseline for all treaties
with Haudenosaunee.
At the time, the British offered a three-link chain made of cast iron to represent this agreement. The Haudenosaunee responded that it wouldn’t be long-lasting, since cast iron crumbles over time.
The British then offered solid iron.
But the Haudenosaunee responded that it would tarnish.
The Haudenosaunee offered a three-link silver. The silver was durable, and when polished it was bright and beautiful. The chain would represent the binding of their words and the intentions of their people. This agreement is also documented in the Friendship Belt.
The links will be polished when deemed necessary to renew their promise.
Commemoration • Education • Healing/Wellness 23