Honoring Tom Porter and the White Roots of Peace

Honoring Tom Porter and the White Roots of Peace

On Friday, August 1, the public is invited to take part in the dedication of a white pine Tree of Peace conducted by Tom “Sakokweniokwas” Porter, founder and spiritual leader of the Mohawk community of Kanatsiohareke at 5 p.m. at Unity Park in Turners Falls, MA. This gathering is given as an expression of the deep gratitude and respect we feel for Tom, his generosity of spirit, and his teachings. Joining him will be Akwesasne singer-songwriter Theresa Bear Fox and Mignon Geli, Native American flute player. He will be welcomed by Jose “Ite” Santana, Councilor and Treasurer of the Chaubunagungamaug Band of Nipmuck Indians. Other esteemed speakers will be announced. The microphone will be open to others if time allows.

There will be a Peace Walk led by the Peace Pagoda that will lead to the ceremony beginning at 2:45 p.m. People will meet on Montague Road across from Farren Road in the field where the Farren Center formerly stood. For more information, please call the Peace Pagoda at 413-367-2202. For a schedule of the walk go to www.nolumbekaproject.org/events.

The Peacemaker came to the Mohawks and four other nations in that region to bring the teachings of Peace to the minds and hearts of all the people and their leaders in times before colonization. They were times of great strife and violence, but the Peacemaker gradually convinced them that the ways of the Creator were the ways of Peace and Dialogue. White pine Trees of Peace are planted as reminders to us and to generations to come.

You may also like the following events from Nolumbeka Project:

• This Saturday, 19th July, 02:00 pm, Ways of Our Ancestors -We Are Still Here, Exhibit July 3-July 29, Presentation July 19, 2 - 4 p.m. in Turners Falls
• Next month, 2nd August, 10:00 am, 12th Annual Pocumtuck Homelands Festival in Turners Falls

Also check out other Music events in Turners Falls, Entertainment events in Turners Falls.