This 400th anniversary campaign, carried out throughout 2013, is finished. The work to honor treaties with Native Nations and protect the Earth continues. Learn more, or join in that work: contact the Onondaga Nation, Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation, Neetopk Keetopk (Hudson Valley), Onondaga Canoe and Kayak Club or Two Row Paddle down the Grand (2016).

Media Advisory: Onondaga Nation Men Creating Dugout Canoe for Epic Trip this Summer

MEDIA ADVISORY

For More Information:  Lindsay Speer, Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign, 315-383-7210 or 315-475-2559

Onondaga Nation Men Creating Dugout Canoe for Epic Trip this Summer To Promote Awareness of the Two Row Wampum Treaty 

May 1, 2013—Onondaga Nation, South of Syracuse, NY— Three Onondaga Nation men and many friends and family are working this month to create a dugout canoe at the “Warehouse” building on Route 11 on the Onondaga Nation.  The intent is to paddle the canoe with others from the Onondaga Nation to New York City this summer, starting on July 2 from the Onondaga Nation.  This smaller delegation will be joined by hundreds of other paddlers, native and non-native, as part of the Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign epic canoe trip starting in Albany on July 27th.

The dugout project was started by Hickory Edwards, his father, Rick Edwards, and cousin, Pete Edwards.  Harold Farmer is also helping.  The tulip poplar log, donated by Lori Shenandoah, was set up at the Onondaga Nation warehouse on South Salina St. on April 16, 2013. The first week of work was spent shaping and chopping, preparing for the start of the burning process. During the burning process, a fire will be started every sun up and put out at sun down, weather dependent.  The fire will need to be constantly watched and moved to properly hollow out the canoe.

When asked how long he is expecting this project to take, Hickory Edwards stated, “We expect another week of shaping and at least a month of burning, maybe more. We will use pine pitch for the final sealing.”

The Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign is a joint project between the Onondaga Nation and Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation to raise awareness of the first treaty between our peoples, created 400 years ago.  Over 300 people have registered to participate in the epic canoe trip this summer.  To learn more visit www.HonorTheTwoRow.org.

WHO:  Hickory Edwards and other members of the Onondaga Canoe and Kayak Club and Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign

WHAT:  Creation of a dugout canoe

WHEN:  2 pm Wednesday – May 1, 2013

WHERE:  Onondaga Nation Warehouse, on Rt. 11 (South Salina Street) on the left just before West Conklin Ave if driving from Nedrow.  Coming from I-81 Onondaga Nation exit, look for the chain link fence on right .3 miles after Onondaga Nation Arena, just past intersection of Route 11 and 11A.

VISUALS:  Half-created dugout canoe with fire burning inside, a traditional method.  Hickory Edwards (Onondaga) explaining the canoe creation process, and the purpose of the canoe for the Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign.  Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation explaining their involvement in the campaign.

 

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