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Tyendinaga Gathering

The second annual Indigenous Tattoo Gathering in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory took place over the May weekend. Artists and orators gathered to share ideas and culturally specific experiences. As well as their efforts to revitalize some of these ancient techniques before they welcomed the general public.

These events are gaining popularity, but so is the evidence supporting the existence of the ancient practice. Therefore, it’s essential to continue to discover/uncover more about the Authentic History of tattooing within our respective nations.

How Traditional is Tattooing?

Tattooing refers to the permanent insertion of pigments under the skin using tools that can puncture the skin. While there is also skin painting or smearing open wounds intentionally with soot or ash for permanent discolouration, Its not the same.

We must remember that mummified remains are scarce in North America, leaving little to the tangible archeological record. However, studies on materials found in locations like Tsiionhiakwatha have yielded identifiable tools consistent with those only used for tattooing.

Archaeologists found the tools at Tsiionhiakwatha in and around a minimal area within the longhouse suggesting the skills were limited to a single practitioner or a small group.

In addition, the Small area where scientists located the tools indicates the importance of the craft itself and the intimate environment within the clan family.

Tattooing Medicine

Symbols and patterns have distinguished Onkwehonwe between clan systems, pottery, clothing and even combs. So naturally, it makes sense that Onkwehonwe would use these symbols or designs for specific purposes, including medicinal practices.

Otzi, the 5,300-year-old iceman found at the Italy-Austria border, provided a splendid view of his 61 separate tattoos primarily placed over classic acupuncture points. Along with natural medicines found near his body, It is highly speculative that Otzi belonged to a society with advanced knowledge of Medicine.

A mummy located in Peru had two distinct types of tattooing ink, suggesting two different purposes, one quite possibly being healing and medicinal ink. In addition, Onkwehonwe used face or body painting for ceremonial or camouflage practices, so It was well within the evolutionary abilities of the inhabitants throughout North & South America to use vegetation-based dyes and pigments for therapeutic tattoos.

Talking Ink

While revitalization efforts have been taking place, nuances of the practice such as storytelling are just as important as the piece itself. However, the most interesting is the milestones, or the Messaging carried with the ink and tattoo placement.

Tattoos are a language; it’s a way to communicate,
Kanenhariyo

Identity and kinship are a significant part of many Onkwehonwe cultures, and importantly, many symbols belonged to specific clans or lineages within individual nations. This suggests one could be identified solely by their tattoos!

If you missed the Tyendinaga Tattoo Gathering, You could still catch the 1st annual Kanehsatake tattoo gathering in August.

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There are only some relationships that fuse perfectly without deliquescing. The mingling of traditional Onkwehonwe cuisine and culture of Art Napolean with Dan Hayes British fare and flair is the foundation of the brilliant television series Moosemeat and Marmalade.

The Art of Visiting

So when the duo visited local culinary jewels Yawekon and Dixieland Grill, It caught no one by surprise that a visit to 1492 Landback Lane was also on their agenda.

Moosemeat and Marmalade joined Skyler Williams to talk about the current situation and the unrelenting attempts by the developer to criminalize the actual title holders. Highlighting the Failure of Developers to approach the provincial or federal government, who are responsible for the fraudulent land sales.

What Sustains Us

The relationship between Our Sustenance and Our Land is intertwined with the efforts to push back against land sales. The encroachment itself is endangering the ecosystems along the Grand River Watershed, while the current agricultural practices are doing their fair part in the great lakes and their watershed contamination.

Still, It’s not often that a cooking show wants to do a segment at a land reclamation site; all participants acknowledged the concept of landback having everything to do with restoring Onkwehonweneha that undoubtedly requires our land for sustenance.

“I am always impressed with the level of the commitment to maintain; many people show up when the media is there, but who’s there when all of that is gone? It’s those guys.” ~Art Napoleon

In a thick and right proper British accent, Hayes supportively said, “I second what Art says, and it is a big sacrifice.”

On Set Atmosphere

The set was all business, but we know that guests cannot visit our beloved territory without getting pulled into the jokes and tasting our good old-fashioned Sense Of Humour.

Williams, who boasts no claims to his cooking skills but is a natural in front of the camera, said of the experience, “It’s always nice to be around good people doing solid, cool work!”

We couldn’t agree more!

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Missing Information

One crucial yet missing element from the pandemic health teaching was the information on our diets related to our immunity. Although it’s only a part of maintaining optimal health and wellness, It’s Important. As our lives begin to speed up again, now is the time to talk Microgreens.

Microgreens are simply vegetables harvested after growing the seed leaf with one set of true leaves that have developed. The young vegetables pack an incredible nutritional punch as they contain Higher Nutrients than their full-grown counterparts.

Super Good

We reached out to 613UrbanFarms owner Brandon Bigtree to find out exactly how vital Onkwehonwe gut health is and how adding microgreens can have multisystem benefits.

Bigtree explains that when he considers the benefits of Microgreens, he primarily has positive thoughts about the superfoods. He explains that they are superfoods because of all the compact natural vitamins and nutrients and reduce vegetable consumption fatigue.

Mindfulness

In addition to supplying your body with adequate nutrients, the gut-to-good mind connection is well established in scientific circles. Bigtree explains that providing the gut with the optimal amount of vitamins and minerals aids in thinking clearer and assists with overall disposition.

The gut-to-good mind connection is well established
Brandon Bigtree @ 613UrbanFarms

That’s not all; given the prevalence of diabetes within Onkwehonwe communities, it is exciting to know that some microgreens are beneficial in reducing the stress that limits Cellular Glucose Uptake and allowing for optimal cellular absorption.

Scrap the Capsule Convenience

Bigtree is encouraging our community members to forgo the convenience of the capsule vitamins due to the First Pass Metabolism of the liver. He emphasizes providing naturally sourced options instead where there is greater bioavailability of the nutrients.

He suggests starting with the Broccoli Microgreens and slowly adding others to your daily diet. In addition, Brandon provides hands-on consultation to all of our communities with seeds and grow kits packages.

We will be visiting him in Akwesasne soon, so stay tuned!

Images courtesy of 613UrbanFarms

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Is there a point in time when discrimination becomes legal?

The short answer is no, but the extended and more accurate response is, well, that’s where things can become confusing.

Its a phenomenon often found in already marginalized populations where ethnicity and gender play a role in obtaining the sparse services. Changes cause an upset in the balance affecting one part of a marginalized population over another.

When he recently received an eviction notice from Brantford Native Housing, Chris Jonathan found himself in a challenging situation. He reports housing advocates told him that it’s a form of Legal Discrimination.

Jonathan reports that he received an eviction notice with very little time to find adequate housing to meet his needs as a disabled man and his exceptional needs daughter. He adds that the building is being demolished for transitional housing for native women only, leaving him out of being able to return.

Set for demolition

Branford Native Housing typically services individuals who require shelter and may not necessarily be able to pay market rent. But unfortunately, it’s a reality for many individuals, especially within marginalized populations.

Even more so now, with skyrocketing prices in Branford for rent and utilities, it leaves many individuals with few options.

The lack of resources provided for Indigenous men isnt specific to Brantford but demonstrates a troubling trend.

After successfully gaining custody of their children, its daunting to know that many communities lack the resources specifically for Onkwehonwe single fathers.

Yakowennahskats

Category Archives: Lifestyle

How Traditional is Tattooing?

Tyendinaga Gathering

How Traditional is Tattooing?

Tattooing Medicine

Talking Ink

Moosemeat and Marmalade Meet Landback.

The Art of Visiting

What Sustains Us

On Set Atmosphere

Small But Deadleh

Missing Information

Super Good

Mindfulness

Scrap the Capsule Convenience

Legal Discrimination

Is there a point in time when discrimination becomes legal?

Media Made By Onkwehonwe

Tyendinaga Gathering

How Traditional is Tattooing?

Tattooing Medicine

Talking Ink

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The Art of Visiting

What Sustains Us

On Set Atmosphere

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Missing Information

Super Good

Mindfulness

Scrap the Capsule Convenience

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Is there a point in time when discrimination becomes legal?

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Media Made By Onkwehonwe