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FOR THE REVITALIZATION The Jake Thomas Learning Centre was founded in 1993 as an independent experiential learning centre for the conservation of traditional Iroquoian culture. The work is based substantially on the living memory of a deeply respected Elder, Jacob ["Jake"] Thomas, born of the Snipe clan and named Hadajihgr<:ta*, "he makes the clouds descend," Chief in the Cayuga Nation. Since 1987 Jake, together with his wife Yvonne, have strived to conserve their oral cultural traditions, arts, and narratives into which they were born at Six Nations in Grand River Country. For most of his life Jake carved the sacred Hatówi medicine masks and the condolence canes used in the rising of Hotinonshón:ni chiefs His work is found in museums and private collections including the Woodland Indian Culture Centre and the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. Most importantly these items are still used for their traditional purpose. Since 1976 Jake taught Iroquois culture, tradition, and languages in the Department of Native Studies at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. Prior to this, he was the Cultural Coordinator in the North American Indian Travelling College at Akwesasne Reserve. The Jake Thomas Learning Centre has consolidated its mission "to foster and enrich Iroquoian cultural identity through the development and promotion of language, cultural, and educational activities". In addition, it is dedicated to "the creation of a learning environment for both Iroquoian and non-Iroquoian peoples" whom are still in an indigenous mind. The Centre has outlined three primary objectives: 1] To establish a historical and current Library Resource Centre whereby educators from all over the world can come to research and learn firsthand about the history and development of the Iroquoian people. 2] To carry on educational programs in order to promote the knowledge of Iroquoian culture and language through research, education, and the publication and distribution of books, papers, reports, periodicals, and pamphlets, and to provide funds to charitable organizations which carry on such educational programs. 3] To design, develop, and maintain a language development program whereby all aspects of the Iroquoian languages can be preserved and taught to all age groups. The traditional ways of the Iroquois ancestors continues to be threatened by extinction in the onslaught of assimilation promoted by the dominant culture. Toward this end the Centre has a continuing program of language, arts, and traditional knowledge classes, conducts field trips including the Peace Tour across the land of our ancestors in New York State and Ontario, and sponsors the recitation of the Great Laws of Peace and the Gaihwíyo. A long range plan to establish a Trust for the continuing support of the work of Chief Jacob Thomas is currently being developed. The Centre is located on acreage at the southern edge of Six Nations. In 1994 a small building was built to house a classroom. A building project is currently underway to build a more substantial learning centre and library resource in a setting, which will encourage a relationship with the Creator, the ancestors, and all our relations. In this spirit of offering in the Iroquoian tradition,
donations of skills, time, materials, and money are always welcomed. The
Centre is incorporated as a Onen. |
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