Reflections on Resilience: Our Visit to Six Nations and the Legacy of Deskaheh

Last week, I had the honour of attending the "100 Years of Hodinohsho:ni Leadership in Global Indigenous Rights" event at the Woodland Cultural Centre. The event commemorated a century of dedication to the perseverance of Indigenous national identity, inspired by a historic act of advocacy before the League of Nations. A hundred years ago, a Cayuga leader named Chief Deskaheh travelled to Geneva to assert Indigenous sovereignty. Although he was prevented from speaking to the League—the predecessor of the United Nations—his visit is now recognised by the UN as the genesis of what would become the UN Declaration for Indigenous Peoples.

Listening to the current Deskaheh titleholder, Steve Jacobs, along with Kenneth Deer, Rick Monture, and Karissa John, I was moved by the lasting impact of Deskaheh's work. Their stories highlight a relentless pursuit of justice for Indigenous rights worldwide. As someone new to Turtle Island, my visit to Six Nations was enlightening and deeply moving. The day's events built a powerful narrative of resilience and resistance, making it clear that understanding Canada's identity involves grappling with its complex history—a history that includes the dark legacy of residential schools.

At a memorial next to the Mohawk Institute, a circle of children’s shoes and toys commemorated the young lives lost and disrupted by residential schools. Each item stood as a silent testament to their suffering. Tobacco and blueberries were placed in remembrance, symbolizing respect and acknowledgement of the pain these innocent children endured. This humbling moment highlighted the profound grief that shadows Canada's history.

Despite this sorrow, there was a strong sense of hope. The Woodland Cultural Centre presentation emphasized the survival and perseverance of Indigenous communities. Kenneth Deer’s Mohawk name, Atsenhaienton, meaning "the fire still burns," symbolizes the enduring resilience of Indigenous Peoples. As the lead diplomat for the Hodinohsho:ni for the past 37 years, Kenneth embodies this fight for rights.

Hope exists precisely because of the resilience that the Hodinohsho:ni demonstrate. They have endured significant challenges, and now our responsibility is to recognize and respect them as equals. Our visit to Six Nations was a step in this direction.

- Elena Villabona Palomero

Elena's podcast episode on the Beyond the Headlines Podcast: Truth First: The Legacy of Canada’s Residential Schools