Nekanęhsakt: Friends of Ękwehęwę
Nekanęhsakt: Friends of Ękwehęwę
Nekanęhsakt: Two houses standing next to each other
Ękwehęwę: Tuscarora word for Indigenous peoples meaning “real human
Nekanęhsakt: Friends of Ękwehęwę is a collection of Western New Yorkers committed to supporting the efforts of Ękwehęwę living both on and off territory as well as nearby Ękwehęwę nations. We will collaborate with Native nations, communities and individuals to promote justice, reconciliation and healing. We believe that we, and the wider community, can learn from Ękwehęwę nations about living more peacefully with one another and more harmoniously with the Earth.
As a result of settler-colonial presence upon Turtle Island (North America), the future of all generations, regardless of national or ethnic affiliation is at risk. The predatory capitalist system brought to this continent by settlers serves as the driving force in a long history of abuse, exploitation and genocide. For the benefit of all peoples, past, present and future, we, as non-indigenous people, will look to Indigenous peoples’ to learn how to protect the Earth and move forward in a spirit of reconciliation, friendship and healing. As allies toĘkwehęwę, our support of Indigenous actions towards sovereignty, human rights and justice for the Earth will not only benefit current generations and honor generations past, but, most importantly, will ensure an Earth is left for the faces yet to come. We are thankful to Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON), another allied organization, for their inspiration.
The goals of Nekanęhsakt: Friends of Ękwehęwę:
• Promote understanding of and respect for Ękwehęwę neighbors and their culture, history and role within the larger Western New York community
•Promote understanding of and respect for all marginalized groups within the Western New York community and promote understanding of shared issues
•Provide accurate information regarding Indigenous peoples’ current issues, as well as history, culture and role in the larger Western New York community
•Challenge widespread racism towards Ękwehęwę peoples through education, relationship building and encouraging shared experiences between people of all nations
•Support and collaborate with Ękwehęwę nations and peoples on Turtle Island and beyond, in their initiatives to promote sovereignty environmental healing, restorative justice, and respectful relationships.
•Advocate for just and fair treatment of Ękwehęwę peoples at all levels of government and in everyday relations.
We ask those who work with us to follow these organizational guidelines:
1.) Our role is that of an ally to the Indigenous peoples of this land. We look to Ękwehęwę for guidance regarding what type of support is needed and what activities are useful.
2.) The focus of our work is to provide a space for non-Ękwehęwę to act as positive allies.
3.) It is our policy to confer with Ękwehęwę as we develop new projects and about the content of any written materials for public use.
4.) We do not engage in any activities which are not welcomed by Ękwehęwę nations and communities.
5.) We strive to have an ongoing collaborative relationship with Ękwehęwę in all aspects of our work.
6.) As allies, we do not speak for Indigenous peoples, nations or communities.