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Rematriation is the process of restoring Indigenous relationships with ancestral lands and knowledge. For Belinda Ramírez, a Binghamton University sociology professor, it’s a way to revitalize one’s appreciation of life. Despite not being Indigenous herself, learning more about rematriation gives her more appreciation for the interconnectivity between living beings and the Earth.

“Thinking about the environment really encourages you to slow down,” Ramírez said. “Appreciate things as everyday as food, and to have gratitude for where it’s coming from.”

The Rematriation organization hosted a keynote presentation Saturday in SU’s National Veterans Resource Center, featuring Indigenous matriarchs, clan leaders and storytellers who shared their ancestral knowledge and vision for the future. Six speakers each offered their insight on rematriation.

The event was the first one ever held by the organization. Hosted by its founder, Michelle Schenandoah, it was inspired by a conversation two years ago among a group of Haudenosaunee women who sought ways to continue elevating and illuminating their shared knowledge and wisdom. The keynote was the final result of the conversation.

The keynote showcased traditional Indigenous music and featured an opening address by Onondaga member Javin Capella. Capella welcomed audience members, like Ramírez, who expressed gratitude for their newfound worldviews.

The panel discussed the values and ethics they see as lacking in today’s society. Spencer Lyons, Onondaga Hawk Clan chief, emphasized the importance of inclusion, equity and gratitude as fundamental principles of daily life.

He pointed to the natural world as a model, describing it as the “perfect example of symbiosis.” He explained that consciousness is a gift and humanity’s path should be one mimicking nature, actively participating in this symbiotic relationship.

Louise Herne, Mohawk Bear Clan mother, expanded on this idea, stressing the importance of a positive consciousness and daily mindfulness. She urged people to accept life’s counterbalances, rather than expecting everything to be good.

“Gratitude changes your attitude,” Herne said. “We can sit all day and complain about what’s wrong with the world, but we need to even give thanks for the ugly.”

Herne also spoke about ego in society, warning that a lack of gratitude allows one’s self-absorption to grow unchecked, eventually leading to fanaticism.

Robin Wall Kimmerer, a New York Times bestselling author and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment at SUNY ESF, elaborated on the idea of gratitude. Her book, “Braiding Sweetgrass,” explores humanity’s responsibility to give back to the Earth.

An audience member of the presentation, Kira Sandoval, found deep meaning in the book’s message about the interconnectivity of life. She said it changed the way she perceived the world and restored her beliefs of spirituality and science.

In her work, Kimmerer focuses on the idea that people shouldn’t just learn about the living world, but learn from it. She said that the natural world offers valuable lessons in generosity and gratitude.

“Everything is a circle, we can’t just take without giving back,” Kimmerer said. “The living world is a powerful teacher of reciprocity and calls on us to give back for the food, water and medicine we gather from nature.”

She also spoke about the challenges of finding an audience for her book. Initially discouraged by the lack of interest, she realized that this absence was precisely why she needed to write it. She submitted the script to only one publisher, and the rest was history.

Each speaker emphasized the need to advance rematriation and preserve ancestral culture. The panel described Indigenous knowledge as invaluable and something that must be more present in today’s world, and expressed a commitment to continuing the work of preserving and sharing these foundational teachings.

“My inspiration is to carry that torch,” Lyons said. “To make sure I can preserve as much as I understand, so that the people who sit behind me or sit behind someone after me can call themselves Haudenosaunee.”

Published on March 3, 2025 at 12:40 am