EXPLORE MORE: SERIES OVERVIEW

INSTRUCTIONS:

Each EXPLORE MORE page is an invitation to spend additional time and energy on the persons and historic locations featured in each VIRTUAL VIDEO VISIT. You are encouraged to post, present, or privately record your thoughts, reactions, conclusions, questions, innovative ideas, critiques, and/or concerns on social media, in one of your classes, in a journal, or in conversation…IF you choose.

This exploration is an opportunity to enhance what you already know, stretch your knowledge-base, and to just think more about the topic.

If you are motivated beyond this EXPLORE MORE page and wish to undertake a creative project at your school or in your community, a 1st Amendment-1st Vote facilitator is available to assist.

CONTACT: 1sta1stv@gmail.com

The Goal: TURN DISCOVERY into ACTION, now or sometime in your near future. Enjoy the journey!

Sites to Visit:

Ganondagan State Historic Site located in Victor, NY is a National Historic Landmark, the only New York State Historic Site dedicated to a Native American theme (1987), and the only Seneca town developed and interpreted in the United States.

Spanning 569 acres, Ganondagan (ga·NON·da·gan) is the original site of a 17th century Seneca town, that existed there peacefully more than 350 years ago.

The culture, art, agriculture, and government of the Seneca people influenced our modern understanding of equality, democratic government, women’s rights, ecology and natural foods.

To learn more about the GANONDAGAN State Historic Site visit:

www.ganondagan.org

Reading Suggestions:

Sisters in Spirit: Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Influence on Early American Feminists by Sally Roesch Wagner

“This groundbreaking examination of the early influences on feminism may revolutionize feminist theory. Distinguished historian and contemporary feminist scholar Sally Roesch Wagner has compiled extensive research to analyze the source of the revolutionary vision of the early feminists.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Matilda Joslyn Gage, and Lucretia Mott had formed friendships with their Native neighbors that enabled them to understand a world view far different, and in many ways superior, to the patriarchal one that existed at that time.

This is the provocative and compelling history of their struggle to bring equality and dignity to all women, and the role played by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) women who modeled the position women could occupy in society.”

SKYWOMAN: Legends of the Iroquois by Joanne Shenandoah and Douglas M George Illustrated by John Fadden and David Fadden.

“When Skywoman falls from the upper world, the birds and the animals living in the watery world below must catch her and create ground on which she can stand. Thus Turtle Island, the Earth, is born. In this book two Native American writers tell the stories of the Iroquois peoples.“

Think About:

The egalitarian cultural model of the Haundenosaunee where members of that society are equally respected and where women have control over their own lives. How is this the same as or different from your cultural background?

And think about:

a word or phrase in the video that got your attention and rings true in your head and heart.
an idea or piece of information that you agree with, completely.
how you would improve this video. Feel free to contact 1sta1stv@gmail.com with suggestions.

Take Action!

• Craft a poem, drawing, photo, dance, etc. Be creative!
• Post one cool fact from this video that got your attention.
• Ask your Social Studies teacher to show this video and have you lead a discussion with your classmates (contact 1sta1stv@gmail.com to arrange.)
• Contact 1sta1stv@gmail.com to work directly with Native American Singer/Song Writer Joanne Shenandoah (Oneida Nation/Wolf Clan) to write and/or play an original piece of music (3 students, maximum).

Share your thoughts on social media: Use the hashtag #1stA1stV and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @1sta1stv.

Joanne Shenandoah

GRAMMY award-winning singer-songwriter Joanne Shenandoah has been capturing the hearts of audiences and trailblazing a path of peace through music throughout the world. Given the traditional name of Tekali-wha-kwah which means “She Sings” as well as “Liftin the Spirit” in her Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) language as a young child, her musical legacy embodies its full meaning. Shenandoah is a cross-cultural and multi-genre artist known for her beautiful vocals and insightful lyrics that nurture the spirit. Her 24 albums, singles, collaborations and film soundtracks have earned her more than 40 music awards, including a GRAMMY and 14 NAMMYs (Native American Music Awards), an induction into the NAMMY Hall of Fame, and an EMMY nomination. Much of her music and lectures carry the teachings of oneness with all of creation. She is an Haudenosaunee-Oneida ambassador of peace, human and earth rights.

Joanne has graciously allowed 1st Amendment 1st Vote, Inc to feature her song “You Can Hear Them Dancing.”

Learn More: http://www.joanneshenandoah.com