Opening March 25^th, 2023

From March 25th - September 16th, 2023, the Seneca Art & Culture Center will showcase the WAMPUM/OTGOÄ exhibition featuring 18 important objects from the museé du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac, four wampum belts from the Rochester Museum and Science Center and feature five contemporary Hodinöhsö:ni’ artists in this exhibition. The objects from France come from a time before the United States was formed and represent the complicated legacy of diplomacy between Indigenous nations and the colonial French. 

Wampum yearns to be understood, and to deliver the meaningful messages it was assigned long ago. Here at Ganondagan, it will be given that opportunity once again. WAMPUM is enigmatic in its versatility, it heals, protects, beautifies, and confirms relationships. There was a time when everyone east of the Mississippi River understood the use and importance of WAMPUM. We invite all peoples to come to Ganondagan and learn from and about this ancient and yet very contemporary sacred semiotic. 

Saturday, March 25th

1 PM 

In honor of our WAMPUM/OTGOÄ exhibition opening, Kontiwennenhawi (The Akwesasne Women Singers) will be performing in the Seneca Art & Culture Center auditorium at 1PM. 

The Akwesasne Women singers were formed in 1999 by four inspired and inspiring women: Bear Fox, Katsitsionni Fox, Elizabeth Nanitcoke and Iawentas Nanticoke.  The women were driven by the need to protect and preserve the Kanienkeha (Mohawk Language), traditional Kanienkeha:ka (Mohawk People) customs and stories, as well as the oral traditions that are passed down from grandmother to grand daughter.  It was founded on the principle that songs are the easiest way to pass on the language and culture to future generations.  Blessed with beautiful singing voices, the women put their talents and their messages together to form a singing group that would write and perform traditional Kanienkeha:ka songs. Since their inception, the Akwesasne Women Singers have brought their beautiful and powerful music to the community of Akwesasne. Members of the group are in various stages of their lives – grandmothers, mothers, aunts, daughters, sisters and cousins.  They are teachers, environmental researchers, social workers and students. They take time out of their personal and professional lives to assist their community whenever possible. The women also volunteer for fundraising activities and provide assistance to individual community members when asked.  Aside from singing Haudenosaunee social songs, some members of Kontiwennenhawi are song writers, though they work with Elders and fluent speakers from Akwesasne to ensure the correct usage and spelling of words.  These songs contain their own messages that they believe are important for the Mohawk people to know and remember. Their songs honor our Elders, Kanienkehaka teachers, Mother Earth, Grandmother Moon, and Grandfather Thunder.  Kontiwennenhawi is committed to continuing the traditions of our ancestors and preserving our language and culture through their beautiful songs and inspiring efforts.

FREE with Seneca Art & Culture Center Admission. FREE for current Friends of Ganondagan Members

Biweekly Tuesdays - 
April 4 and April 18, May 2, May 16 and May 30, June 13 and June 27 

Time - 11 AM - 11:45 AM
 

Location - Meet on the patio/picnic area at the west end of the building and the class will proceed to the best location (weather consideration) for that day.
Please dress for the weather as classes will be held outdoors, participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes
Free - (Sliding scale, suggested donation $5 - $15 in support of Friends of Ganondagan)
 

The ancient practices of Tai Chi and Qi gong combine slow, deliberate movements, meditation, and breathing exercises bringing relaxation, peace and balance to mind, body and spirit and can also send that same energy out in all directions to all beings. Join us for a series of classes that introduces people to the first several movements of a Yang-style form.
Regular practice can develop inspiration, confidence and self-awareness, promote healthy breathing, improve vitality and cultivate harmony with Nature!
Instructor: Master Kathleen M. Gill, Ph.D. is a retired clinical psychologist with forty years of experience in stress management and health promotion. She was granted the title in 2014 by her Grandmaster William C. C. Chen. She tells her clients and students that the best method of relaxation is the one you practice every day - and taiji quan (Tai Chi) and qigong is that method for her.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

This donation-based class is located in the Seneca Art & Culture Center Auditorium. Park in the main parking lot and go through the front doors, the auditorium is on the left.

May- October Bark Longhouse is open for the season

Our full-size, Seneca Bark Longhouse (1998) is fully furnished to reflect a typical Seneca family from the late 1600’s, complete with reproductions of 17th century Seneca objects and colonial-era trade goods. Admission into the Bark Longhouse is included in our Summer admission fees.