Timeless story, timely message For as long as time, the Haudenosaunee and other Indigenous groups have told a story of the world’s creation. It explains that the land we walk on is a turtle’s back, and how the sun and moon came to be in the sky. It tells how the crops that nourished people came about, and positive and negative forces came into the world. “The Senecas might tell it a little different than the Mohawks,” says Iakonikonriiosta, museum manager of the Akwesasne Cultural Center in Akwesasne. “You’re talking about thousands of years in the oral history. But the premise of it is that we’re very fortunate to live in this time and space. And in order for us to continue that, we have to give thanks.” “Thanksgiving” is a core element of the creation story. A mural depicting the Thanksgiving Address and creation tale greets visitors to the newly renovated Cultural Center, which is reopening this spring for visitors. Up to six guests at a time will be able to walk through the museum, which showcases the cultural tradition of the Haudenosaunee. Displays feature woven sweetgrass baskets made by master craftspeople as well as wampum belts, intricate beadwork and artifacts depicting the Haudenosaunee experience. For three years, The Wild Center and the Akwesasne Cultural Center, the Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center and the Native North American Traveling College have
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