CRNY Collaborative Artists
Haudenosaunee & Indigenous Artists
June 30, 2022, New York, NY—Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) today named its Artist Employment Program (AEP) recipients, 98 collaborations involving a dynamic group of 300 artists employed by community-based organizations, municipalities, and tribal governments across New York State. A total of $49.9M in funding will support artists’ salaries and benefits, with an additional $11.7M in funding provided to the organizations holding employment. Participating artists will receive an annual salary of $65,000 with benefits and dedicated time to focus on their artistic practice.
Continue reading in-depth information on each artists & culture bearers.
Rematriation is proud to collaborate with 10 Haudenosaunee & Indigenous artists and culture bearers over the next two years!
Artists working with Rematriation are: Roger Perkins, Diane Schenandoah, Joshua Sargent, Afton Lewis, Caryn Miller, Marnie Billie, Adriana Poulette, Jolene Patterson, Faye Lone, and Emma Shenandoah.
Roger Perkins
My Mohawk name is Sosakete, He Carries the Corn on his Back, Roger Perkins is my english name. I’m from Akwesasne, which is an American Indian territory that runs along the Saint Lawrence River and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. I strive at maintaining a spiritual composure as a husband, a visionary, eternal optimist and father of five children. I am a Teacher, Carver, Pipe-Maker, Ceramicist, Painter, Muralist, Multi-Media/Digital artist, Singer, Sculptor, Spiritualist and Culture keeper from the Mohawk Nation.
“Mohawks didn’t really have a word for art… We simply and creatively made tools and objects that reflect the beauty of Nature.”
-Sosakete
“Cosmic Bear”
Sosakete’s large scale acrylic on canvas painting
Painted wooden Eagle Feathers: I began making small and large carved and painted Eagle feathers from reclaimed wood slabs and saved logs from getting turned into mulch. From 2 feet tall to 9 feet tall. The Eagle feather is a sacred object for Native Peoples. They are a conduit to communicate with the spirit world. I’m carving slabs of wood into the form of an eagle feather and painting sacred imagery and cultural designs onto the carved and sanded feather forms. Using vibrant acrylic colors both bold and subtle depending on what the wood feather calls for. Each feather is unique, original and hand made, I then apply UV varnish to the finished piece. When you receive it, the Feather has a “Living” Vibe and ready to hang.
Roger’s Clay Pipe & Pot
Roger focus’ on both historic and contemporary
Hotinonshonni Clay Pipes and Pots
Mohawk Pottery: In 1993, I began to revive a lost, 4000 year old ceramic art form in the ancestral homeland of Mohawk people, which ended in the 1660’s. I studied traditional Mohawk pottery forms, shards and designs dating as far back as 1900 BC in Mohawk Valley (the traditional homeland of Mohawk people). I’ve shared and taught the traditional form of Mohawk pottery in workshops for more than 10 years to adults, artists and students, native and non-native. I have become a master of Mohawk Pottery and Pipe-making.
I view my art as an all encompassing journey of the integration of texture and color, humans and nature, spirit and the supernatural, earth and the cosmos. As a visual artist I have produced a vast collection of paintings and digital images that illustrate my beliefs in the positive aspects of tradition and the natural world and paint images usually deep-rooted in native inspired abstract design. Using acrylic on canvas, I paint abstract designs with native imagery and nature. Large-scale paintings range in size from 3 feet to 8 feet. Round as well as rectangular canvases are commonly used. My motto is “educate through art.” I create with a specific message and teaching in mind: to inspire and unite all.
“Railroad Warrior”
Like a digital collage, Sosakete takes old images
and blends them into contemporary art
In addition to the paintings, I am introducing an art movement I’ve started called “ Powowpopart “. Using my paintings, original images, photo’s and borrowed/ reclaimed images from the internet, other media sources, I digitally compose these images together in photoshop. These digital originals, I call Powowpopart, become their own artistic statements both educational and entertaining. It is a playful, yet sharp visual conversation. What emerges is an empowered assertion of Indian identity which both embraces/rejects any attempt to define what it is to be a dispossessed people. It is printed on canvas using archival pigments and hand stretched and embellished.
Wearable Indigenous Art: Using a humorous and political approach, I incorporated clothing designs and logos such as “The Native American Blues Society”, ‘’ It’s A Good Day To Disobey” and “American Indian Express Card”. It embraces Indian cultural heritage, asserting its legitimate presence and contribution to American pop culture while highlighting the racist imagery that resides within/ encodes an American understanding of indigenous peoples– my brand doesn’t require viewer clarity and/or a concrete understanding of what the art intends, but merely brings out images meant to challenge, provoke and engage.
Dayyotha’a:gwuh’ , She Is Taking A Step or She Is Stepping Over It
Hawk Clan, Tonawanda Seneca
I enjoy making original fashion items also. My distinctive woven ribbonwork embellishes custom coats, dress shirts and dresses. Two of my daughters, Shquanebin and Naquaqua, now work with me and are established designers in their own right. We make over 50 products, both clothing and home goods for the whole family. So we created a single company, Longhaus Of Lone, to take our fashion designs to the world. We are thankful for this creative outlet and hope everyone enjoys are works and much as we enjoy making them. My new quilt shop on the Tonawanda Rez opens in April 2023 to sell fabrics, ribbons and conduct classes. My licensed goods will be available this year, including my original embroidery designs, longarm quilting designs and fabrics.
Quilt Smoke Dance Lap Quilt
Faye Lone
Authenticity and knowledge are key elements of my work. I use my imagery to tell stories, to make a statement, not always subtle. My fabric art is an opportunity to teach about our culture, to show true depictions. I am known for weaving ribbons, vibrant colors and elaborate stitching in my pieces. Having my works in museums is such a thrill: my works are in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, The Eitlejorg, the New York State Museum, the Seneca Nation of Indians Museum and the Pequot Museum. MoMA took one of my works for over two years for an exhibit. I have taken awards in art shows, including Best Of Show at the Lewiston Art Festival in New York.
Wallhanging Fancy Dancer
Fashion Corn Spirit Jacket
Diane Schenandoah
Diane is Faithkeeper for Oneida Nation Wolf Clan of the Six Nations Haudenosaunee Confederacy. She was born on the Onondaga traditional territory in Syracuse, NY. She is an Alumni of Syracuse University College of VPA, She graduated from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM. She is a sculptor for over 30 years, professional, singer and energy worker. Her Father was a Chief of the Beaver clan from the Onondaga Nation and her mother a Clan mother of the Wolf Clan of the Oneida Nation. Diane’s duty and traditional responsibility is to share and promote the use of a “Good Mind” which are ancestral principles of peace and the methods of conduct and responsibilities to the natural world. Diane’s Art work, Intuitive Energy Work and writings are grounded in her culture and teachings which reveal the power of unconditional love.
Diane’s Laura Cornelius Kellogg Statue
Sam’s club online carries some of her designs. She works in several mediums, which includes various woods, Deer and Buffalo bone. Her designs are traditionally inspired through her rich culture which is blended with a contemporary flair. This work includes; Cradle boards, Rattles, furniture and custom work, utilizing local Black Walnut, Oak, shell and various materials. Diane was invited to participate in the Robert Rauschenberg foundation artist-in-residences 5 week program in Captiva florida and is now working in Australian Pine driftwood from Captiva Island.
In the early 80’s Diane moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to attend the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute where she earned a “Certificate of Completion in the Arts”, and then moved to Santa Fe to attend the Institute of American Indian Arts where she earned two degrees in 3-Dimensional Arts” and “Creative Writing” . Diane fell in love with sculpture while working with clay and stone, creating images of her culture. She was further encouraged when her works won numerous awards and were featured in exhibits and galleries throughout Turtle Island. Diane has been honored with receiving two grants from the First Peoples Fund in South Dakota. She then created a series of Lady stick pin/necklaces in honor of woman, called the “Life Giver” series and a line of Jewelry with babies called “Angel Babies which were originally carved from Buffalo bone then cast in Sterling Silver and 18k gold.
Diane sculpting a statue
Joshua Sargent
Anenhaienton Wakenesi:io, Scattering Corn Man, Snipe Clan, Akwesasne, Mohawk Nation. Joshua is one third of The Comedy Trio and Podcast Extraordinaires “The Aboriginal Outlaws”, the Premier Indigenous Comedy Podcast. Along with his compatriots, CRNY has helped “The Outlaws” create a production studio to produce several Indigenous Podcasts. Anenhaienton is a cultural educator, mindfulness leader, activist, comedian and radio personality on 97.3 CKON Mohawk Nation Radio, in his home community of Akwesasne. In addition to audio and video production, Anenhaienton is a certified permaculturalist, Haudenosaunee sovereigntist, builder and experimenter.
Women’s Dance Podcast Series
Indigenous Women from Akwesasne, Mohawk Nation Territory share a raw and unfiltered look into their lives, thoughts, triumphs and challenges, individually, and collectively.
“My team and I are ecstatic about this opportunity. Our reach and ability to gather stories and share humor in our sister communities will be fully realized. Our collaboration with Rematriation and all of the artists will open up new avenues of sharing and increase the reach of our voices. This adds the rocket fuel we needed to launch our vision into the ears and eyeballs of Onkwehonwe far and wide and puts us years ahead. We are ever grateful.”
Aboriginal Outlaws Studios
All podcasts are available in Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube & aboriginaloutlaws.com
Anenhaienton “Scattering Corn Man”
He is a father and jack of all trades. He tirelessly advocated and worked to uphold Haudenosaunee Sovereignty, Wellness, and Community resilience through action. A do-er with a penchant for out-of-the-box thinking and analysis, with a curious and questioning mind. Anenhaienton is often at the cutting edge of community empowerment activities. He brings over 20 years of experience as a public speaker, a Traditional Haudenosaunee Singer, Dancer, and Storyteller. Anenhaienton has worked as a radio broadcaster, farmer, comedian, web designer, and “the audio-video guy”. Anenhaienton learned mindfulness, meditation, and yoga through his own healing work and integrates his practice with Haudenosaunee philosophy and ancestral teachings. Anenhaienton produces a weekly comedic podcast with his two comedy partners in a trio known as The Aboriginal Outlaws. They have the most popular and diverse audio and video podcast in Haudenosaunee Country.
The Un-named Reservation Politics Cast
Indigenous Women from The Mohawk
Nation Territory of Akwesasne share
their thoughts, lives, challenges, and triumphs.
Gawëöwi’ ni’gya:söh
Onöndowa’ga:’ ni:’ah
Ageswë’gai:yo’
Ohi:yo’ jo:negano:h nöda:ge:’
Ganowö’geh swe:gë’ tknöge’
She brings her tenacity and eagerness to continue growing her skill capacity in each aspect of her life. Caryn is a leader in the Seneca community. She has been recognized by her nation for her extraordinary commitment to her community’s growth and flourishment with the 1st Annual Youth Eagle Award in 2016. More recently, she has been selected to participate in the American Indian Science & Engineering Society’s (AISES) newly established Indigenous Womxn in STEM program. She continues to influence change within the community and inspires the youth to pursue higher educational goals. She is looking forward to contributing to actions made towards providing a better tomorrow for Indigenous communities.
“Native American Heritage Month 2022”
I am incredibly excited and fortunate to continue my work with Rematriation. I always make it a point in my life to use my talents and area of study to further develop awareness of our Ongweoweh O:gweh way of life and responsibilities.
Caryn Miller
Caryn Miller is a dedicated traditional member of the Seneca Nation Hawk Clan, raised on the Allegany territory. She received a B.S. at Syracuse University with a dual major in Marketing Management and Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises and a minor in Native American & Indigenous Studies. She is the daughter of Dawn Colburn and Chris Miller. Driven by her connection to her identity, she takes pride in providing her best contributions possible from an Indigenous woman’s perspective. Caryn aspires to continue working towards uplifting Indigenous voices and connecting with like-minded individuals. Outside of her work, Caryn enjoys hiking, volunteering, travelling, and learning new skills.
Joy Harjo & Caryn Miller
In attendance at the National Women’s
Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 2022
Rematriation Social Media Marketing Campaign
This collaborative opportunity allows me to do just that; to integrate my learning and professional skills into work that I am passionate about, while also being involved in a movement that I truly believe in.
Afton has been a part of Rematriation for over four years where she gained more experience in her passion field of filmmaking as New Media Creator. Throughout her years here, Afton has taken part in many media projects such as the filming of Santee Smith’s episode in Indigenous Women’s Voices Series, the first annual Haudenosaunee Filmmaker’s Festival, short awareness videos about the non-profit Rematriation and many more.
Quannah Chasinghorse & Afton Lewis at a panelist
discussion for the film Walking Two Worlds
Afton Lewis
Afton P. Lewis is a member of the Navajo Nation. She is of the Mud People Clan born for the Black Sheep Clan. Her maternal grandfather is of the Coyote Pass Clan and her paternal grandmother is of the Edge of the Water Clan. Afton grew up in the Four Corners region of the Southwest in a small town called Farmington in New Mexico. Afton is a filmmaker, editor, producer, and entrepreneur. She was inspired to join the film industry since she was young but since working for Rematriation, she has found the passion to be in charge of her own media company.
Recording of “Diane’s Meditations” at SU recording studio
This opportunity means a lot to me because I get to collaborate with Haudenosaunee artists in a capacity that I have never really done before. I get to learn and work with incredibly talented people and for that, I am forever grateful.
Left to Right: Caryn, Jade, Afton, Michelle
Marnie Billie
Dwendenhatwitha, “She Who Carries in the Dawn or ‘Morning Star,’” Deer Clan of the Onondaga Nation, resides in Ohi-yo’ – ‘Seneca Allegany Indian Reservation, Salamanca, NY’. I am excited to be a part of this collaborative work between Rematriation and the other artists! It is an extraordinary opportunity for me to be able to focus on the continued planting, harvesting, and seed keeping of our three sisters’ foods. Also to have the ability to plant and harvest endemic/rare culturally significant plants. This will be important to my family, community, and other Haudenosaunee people in the future.
I view my art as an all encompassing journey of the integration of texture and color, humans and nature, spirit and the supernatural, earth and the cosmos. As a visual artist I have produced a vast collection of paintings and digital images that illustrate my beliefs in the positive aspects of tradition and the natural world and paint images usually deep-rooted in native inspired abstract design. Using acrylic on canvas, I paint abstract designs with native imagery and nature. Large scale paintings range in size from 3 feet to 8 feet. Round as well as rectangular canvases are commonly used. My motto is “educate through art” I create with a specific message and teaching in mind: to inspire and unite all.
Emma Shenandoah
My name is Kanatahihon, Emma Shenandoah. I’m wolf clan Mohawk from Akwesasne. I’m excited and grateful for this opportunity. It means more support and recognition for Onkwehonwe people. I look forward to showcasing my work as well as sharing my knowledge.
Adriana Poulette
Tsyoy^thu (She’s Planting Again)
Adriana Poulette
Oneida/Mi’kmaw
Wolf Clan
I’m excited about this collaboration opportunity with Rematriation to share my knowledge with other Onkwehonwe women and for the time and freedom I will have to focus on my beadwork and further develop my quillwork.
Jolene Patterson
Jolene Patterson, also known as Yakolihuny^ni, “she teaches,” comes from the Wolf clan of the Oneida Nation in Upstate New York. This opportunity that has been presented to me for a collaboration with Rematriation means a tremendous amount. It means that I’ll have an opportunity to share with others what I see in the world and what I see in my heart and mind. Through this collaboration, I hope to grow not only my view but also my network of people so that even when this has come to an end, I will be able to continue to grow and share what knowledge I am given.
For More Information
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