Commemoration of the 1794 Canandaigua Treaty

The commemoration of the Canandaigua Treaty will take place on November 11, 2009 at 2 p.m. on the front lawn of the Ontario County Court House on Main Street in Canandaigua, New York. The Canandaigua Treaty was signed in 1794 between the Six Nations (Iroquois) and the United States. It is the foundation of the Iroquois sovereignty. This yearly commemoration is a time of rededication of this agreement which was made to secure perpetual peace and friendship between the Iroquois nations and the United States. The treaty defined the lands/reservations of the Iroquois nations. It also defined the relationship: each party would handle their own internal problems and to never disturb nor prevent “free use and enjoyment” of their said lands. The commemoration of this treaty helps to ensure that the “chain of friendship” and agreements between our nations remain vibrant and in good, current working order. All are welcome. There will be Native American artists & craft vendors set up in the Primary School all day, and a parade to the Ontario County Court House. Keynote Speakers will be announced. Admission is free and open to the public. A potluck dinner is served 4:30 p.m. in the Primary School. Attendees are requested to bring a dish to share. This event is being organized by the Friends of Ganondagan and is made possible by the collaboration of Canandaigua City School District, City of Canandaigua and the Friends of Ganondagan; And sponsored by the Haudenosaunee Peace & Trade Committee, Mohawk Nation Council, Tonawanda Seneca Nation, and the Tuscarora Nation of Indians.