Niagara at the Crossroads: Indigenous Nations and the American Revolution

Join us for an immersive three-part event, that invites you to experience history through Indigenous voices, artistry, and lived tradition. Through cultural dance demonstrations, guest speaker, and hands-on, make-and take activity, the program is intended to highlight Niagara Falls as a place of deep Indigenous significance and a strategic crossroads during the Revolutionary War. This event centers the experiences of Indigenous Nations who navigated diplomacy, alliance, conflict, and survival during a time of upheaval, often with enduring impacts on their lands and sovereignty. The blend of storytelling, movement and interactive learning, demonstrates that Indigenous cultures are not confined to the past but are vibrant, resilient, and present today, offering visitors a richer and more inclusive understanding of the Revolution and Niagara's continuing indigenous legacy.

Guest Presenter, Jordan Smith

1:00 - 2:00 PM

First, we welcome guest presenter, Jordan Smith (Mohawk Nation, Bear Clan) to impart the shared knowledge and experience of the Haudenosaunee- discussing the experience along the Niagara Frontier for Indigenous Peoples during the time of the Revolutionary War as we as the continuing communities today. (Registration required as space is limited.)

Cornhusk Dolls, Kehala Smith

2:00 - 3:00 PM

Next, Kehala Smith (Tuscarora Nation, Turtle Clan) fifth-generation beadworker, clothing designer, and traditional dance instructor, will lead a hands-on workshop in the creation of cornhusk dolls. These dolls are steeped in tradition and significance. Join us to make your own to take home, learn of their important roll in Haudenosaunee culture, and how the devastation of the Sullivan Campaign of 1779 is connected. (Registration required as space is limited.)

Dancing

3:00 - 4:00 PM

Dancers of the Haudenosaunee, comprised of members from each of the Nations of the Haudenosaunee will demonstrate several traditional social dances, while Jordan (Mohawk Nation, Bear Clan) and Kehala (Tuscarora Nation, Turtle Clan) share the stories of each dance, explaining the roles each play in Indigenous life as social activity and heritage celebration. Audience members will be invited to learn and participate – so expect a highly interactive, educational and entertaining program! (No registration needed.)

Meet in the Community Room of Education Center next to the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center at Parking Lot 1 inside Niagara Falls State Park. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the program. All materials included. Programs are free. Parking fee of $10.00.

Parking is limited and parking fees may apply. Please note, the parking lots inside Niagara Falls State Park fill up quickly on weekends (Friday through Sunday) and holidays, which often results in heavy traffic entering the park from the Niagara Scenic Parkway.

Additional parking lots can be found on Rainbow Blvd. and near the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in the city of Niagara Falls.

These programs are intended for individuals and families. For more information or accommodations please call (716) 282-5154 for the Niagara County Office or (716) 549-1050 for the Erie County Office.

Please note that we do not allow pets on our park programs unless otherwise specified. This does not apply to service animals. All programs are subject to change. Thank you for your cooperation.

Info: We welcome guest presenter, Jordan Smith (Mohawk Nation, Bear Clan) to impart the shared knowledge and experience of the Haudenosaunee- discussing the experience along the Niagara Frontier for Indigenous Peoples during the time of the Revolutionary War as we as the continuing communities today. (Registration required as space is limited.)

Info: Kehala Smith (Tuscarora Nation, Turtle Clan) fifth-generation beadworker, clothing designer, and traditional dance instructor, will lead a hands-on workshop in the creation of cornhusk dolls. These dolls are steeped in tradition and significance. Join us to make your own to take home, learn of their important roll in Haudenosaunee culture, and how the devastation of the Sullivan Campaign of 1779 is connected. (Registration required as space is limited.)

Info: Dancers from each of the Nations of the Haudenosaunee will demonstrate several traditional social dances, while Jordan (Mohawk Nation, Bear Clan) and Kehala (Tuscarora Nation, Turtle Clan) share the stories of each dance, explaining the roles each play in Indigenous life as social activity and heritage celebration. Audience members will be invited to learn and participate – so expect a highly interactive, educational and entertaining program! (No registration needed)

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Host or Publisher Niagara Region Park Interpretive Programs Team