Author: Adam DJ Brett

Removing Racist Statues is the first step
Our Executive Director Gaeñ hia uh/ Betty Lyons, New York Times Letter to the editor: The planned removal of the statue of Theodore Roosevelt from in front of the American Museum of Natural History is just one step in the struggle to confront the racist imagery that underscores the continuing oppression of those who are…

The refusals to remove statues of Columbus offends Indigenous Peoples
Our Executive Director Gaeñ hia uh/Betty Lyons (Onondaga Nation, Snipe Clan) went on WCNY Capital Pressroom room with Tim Williams and provided context for the Doctrine of Discovery and Christopher Columbus and the harm that has been done to Indigenous nations and peoples. All these symbols of racism that we face on a daily basis…

Mother Earth’s Pandemic: The Doctrine of Discovery
“Peace can only be attained when human beings live in proper relationship to the natural world” ~Tadodaho of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Sid Hill “The pandemic gives us all an opportunity to be at home and reflect on what we have done and where we are going. It is an opportunity for Mother Earth to breath,…

Columbus Statues must come down
“Governor Cuomo’s eloquence in response to the anti-racism movement sparked by the murder of George Floyd apparently does not extend to the genocide and enslavement those first transatlantic voyages initiated and which continue to underpin the oppression of Indigenous peoples to this day,” ~ Betty Lyons Recently our Executive Director Gaeñ hia uh/Betty Lyons was…

In Memory of Kevin T. Tarrant
In memory of our friend and colleague Kevin Tarrant. Please give as you are able to support his family and his legacy. We are thankful these wonderful words from Safe Harbors NYC: It is with great sorrow and with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Co-founder and Managing Director of Safe Harbors…

Event Cancelled: Haudenosaunee Women’s Influence
Due to concerns about the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have made the difficult decision to cancel our March 9th event, The Haudenosaunee Women’s Influence on the Women’s Movement with Gloria Steinem. The Matilda Joslyn Gage Center is processing refunds via Eventbrite. If you have questions please contact Melissa Almeyda, or 315.637.9511. Thank you…

The 2020 Global Indigenous Women’s Caucus
Canceled due to COVID-19 concerns 19th Annual Global Indigenous Women’s Caucus Honoring our Founding Mothers United Nations Church Center 777 United Nations Plaza, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10017 April 10, 2020 9am – 3pm As we prepare for the upcoming 19th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues April 13-24th, 2020,…

Haudenosaunee Women’s Influence on The Women’s Rights Movement
Cancelled due to COVID-19 Concerns Join us March 9th at Ethical NYC for an evening with Gloria Steinem, Sally Roesch Wagner, Jeanne Shenandoah, & Gaeñ hia uh/Betty Lyons. This event features Indigenous women leaders and non-Native feminist activists highlighting the story of how the Haudenosaunee Confederacy served as the inspiration for early feminists. Speakers include the…

Indigenous peoples can guide scientists in fight against climate change (Commentary)
Executive Director Betty Lyons published an op-ed on Syracuse.com today discussing the importance of caring for mother earth and the work of plant biologist Dr. Robin Kimmerer. Please take a moment to celebrate the work of Dr. Kimmerer and remember our responsibility to mother earth. Indigenous peoples can guide scientists in fight against climate change…
Indigenous peoples can guide scientists in fight against climate change
Indigenous peoples can guide scientists in fight against climate change (Commentary)


Remembering Esmeralda
What a gift to know a giant among humans. Esmerlada— our dear sister and friend; our Elder and teacher has passed on. We know that she can rest now, and no longer will feel pain. For that, we are thankful. We are thinking of her husband Waldaba, her daughter Zulane and all her close family…

Christian Domination and the Failure of ‘Truth and Reconciliation’
A conference in Onondaga Nation Territory, at Syracuse University and Skä·noñh—Great Law of Peace Center, Saturday and Sunday, 17-18 August 2019. This conference continues discussions between religious communities and Indigenous Peoples about the Doctrine of Christian Discovery (DOCD) so that real healing can occur. “Truth and Reconciliation” efforts in settler-colonial states have the appearance of…

Urgent Action request to UNOHCHR Regional Office for Central America
Call for Solidarity and Support of Indigenous Peoples NYA•WEÑHA SKÄ•NOÑH: Thank you for being well Below is a letter of concern delivered by the American Indian Law Alliance (aila.ngo) to the UN OHCHR on behalf of our friend and colleague Margot Pérez. The below letter addresses not only her specific case but also the systematic…

Doctrine of Discovery and Colonial Terrorism
The truth, while spoken, never dies. It is a flame that may rest, smouldering in our bones. Perhaps for generations Yet in these very lines it will rekindle We are the flame that never died on battlegrounds of old And for as long as I breathe my story I am not vanquished I am my…














