Victor, NY—With the complex issues of cultural identity and assimilation never far from the headlines, the Friends of Ganondagan focuses this fall’s Native American Lecture Series on “Adoption and Adaptation,” to be held at Nazareth College’s Shults Center.
Two types of adoption will be discussed: adopting “in” of non-Natives (a traditional practice focused on preserving Native family and community), or of Native people adopted into other Nations; and adopting “out” of Native Americans into non-Native families, which results in many Native people struggling to reconnect with their heritage.
Also covered will be the subject of adaptation by Native people to changing circumstances that has provided a path to survival into the present day. A discussion of non-Natives adopting Native practices will be included as well.
The schedule is as follows, and all lectures begin at 7:00 pm:
- Thursday, September 26 – For God and Home and Native Land: The Haudenosaunee and the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. Speaker is Dr. Thomas Lappas, associate professor of history at Nazareth College. This will be an intriguing exploration into the stories of two Onondaga women instrumental in forming branches of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union in Native communities during the early 20th century.
- Thursday, October 24 – Adopting “In”: Preserving Iroquois Traditional Community. Speakers are G. Peter Jemison (Seneca), eighth generation descendent of Mary Jemison and Ganondagan site manager; and Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner, executive director of the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation. Using the historical examples of Mary Jemison and Matilda Joslyn Gage, these experts will delve into the fascinating variations of adopting “in,” part of an ancient Native tradition that preceded European arrival.
- Thursday, November 21 – Adopting “Out”: Researching and Reclaiming Identity. Speakers are Ronnie Reitter (Seneca), Ganondagan Site interpreter and former foster child; and Jack T. Ericson, Native genealogy expert. Ms. Reitter will share her personal story about finding family, and Mr. Ericson will address resources and strategies for searching out one’s roots.
The 2013 Lecture Series is a collaboration between the Friends of Ganondagan and Nazareth College’s Department of History and Center for Service-Learning. The first lecture is co-sponsored by the 1816 Farmington Quaker Meetinghouse with support from the New York State Council on the Humanities.
Individual lecture prices are $15; $10/Friends of Ganondagan members; $5/students with ID. The three-lecture series can be purchased for $25. Tickets will be available beginning at 6:30 pm at the event. Visit www.ganondagan.org/events.html.
CALENDAR:
What: Friends of Ganondagan’s 2013 Native American Lecture Series
When: 7:00 pm on three Thursdays: September 26; October 24; and November 21
Where: Shults Center, Nazareth College, 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618
Admission: Individual lecture prices are $15; $10/Friends of Ganondagan members; $5/students. The three-lecture series can be purchased for $25. For more information, visit: www.ganondagan.org/events.html or call (585) 742-1690.
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