Haudenosaunee & Indigenous Matrilineality

Special Keynote Event

Saturday, March 1st

6 – 10pm

National Veterans Resource Center

Syracuse, NY

KEYNOTE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE

Saturday, March 1st

6 – 10pm

National Veterans Resource Center

Rematriation’s partner CNY Arts has provided funding for reduced cost tickets,

please enter the code CNY2025 to receive a 50% discount for the keynote event!

 Rematriation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting Indigenous women’s voices, is partnering with Syracuse University’s Center for Global Indigenous Cultures and Environmental Justice and the SU Libraries Special Collections Research Center to host an academic symposium on Haudenosaunee and Indigenous matrilineality. The symposium will take place February 28 – March 2, 2025 , on Syracuse University’s campus, located on Onondaga lands in the heart of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

The symposium aims to share Indigenous matrilineal knowledge as a powerful framework for addressing critical social and environmental issues. It features a keynote panel discussion with New York Times bestselling author and Potawatomi botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer and Mohawk Bear Clan member Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs, filmmaker and actor in Reservation Dogs and Marvel’s What If… Kahhori episode.

The symposium’s keynote event will be hosted by Oneida Nation Wolf Clan member Michelle Schenandoah, founder and executive lead of Rematriation.

Panelists also include traditional Haudenosaunee Confederacy leaders, Mohawk Bear Clan Mother “Mommabear” Louise Herne and Onondaga Hawk Clan Chief Ohsgoñ:da’ Spencer Lyons. The evening includes a truly special presentation on the celestial worldview embedded in Haudenosaunee astronomy by Oneida Nation Wolf Clan member Samantha Doxtator.

“Arising out of seven years of foundational work by Rematriation, the symposium presents Haudenosaunee and Indigenous matrilineal knowledge as a praxis to address critical global challenges,” said Schenandoah. “This is a precious opportunity to engage with Indigenous knowledge holders and allies to understand how Indigenous knowledge can provide sustainable pathways for all peoples and future generations.”

Nicolette Dobrowolski, Director of the SU Libraries Special Collections Research Center, said, “We look forward to the symposium inspiring deeper reflection, meaningful discussion, and innovative research, scholarship, and action related to the significance of matrilineality across the Syracuse University campus and broader communities. SCRC is truly honored to partner with Rematriation in helping to amplify the voices, stories, and influence of Haudenosaunee and Indigenous women.”

For those unable to attend the three-day symposium, the keynote event on Saturday, March 1, from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m., is a stand-alone event open to all. To purchase tickets for the keynote event, click here.

February 28 – March 2

Symposium Highlights

There are 6 different tracks for symposium participants to follow.

Click on the tracks below to view the presentations in each track.

(click here to view the full schedule )

March 1st

National Veterans Resource Center

Syracuse, NY

The keynote event distills the aims of the symposium into one star-studded evening.

Panel discussions on Indigenous Matrilineality

Musical Performances and Cultural Presentations

Keynote Tickets are available to the public and can be purchased separately from the symposium.

Ticket prices vary. Our partner CNY Arts has provided funding for reduced cost tickets.

Enter the code CNY2025 to receive a 50% discounted ticket for the keynote event!

“These are teachings of balance and reciprocity among people and all living beings that work in all aspects of life.”

-Mommabear