Our experience with the Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) Artist Employment Program has been incredibly positive and meaningful. One of the most unique aspects of our participation was the inclusion of so many Haudenosaunee artists in a program that they might otherwise have never known about or felt was accessible to them. There is often a general sense that artist grants can be complex, difficult to navigate, and require a series of hurdles that deter many, particularly Indigenous artists, from applying. CRNY has helped bridge that gap by providing support that feels both accessible and truly impactful.

We selected eight Haudenosaunee artists and culture bearers from diverse regions across New York State for this cohort. These artists came from as far away as Buffalo in Western New York, to Fonda in Central New York. Importantly, these artists do not live on Haudenosaunee territories (reserved lands), and many are not typically represented in larger funding opportunities. We specifically sought out individuals who were actively engaged in their communities, sharing their artistic talents and cultural knowledge, often without receiving fair compensation or recognition. By selecting these artists, we sought to ensure that they would not fall through the cracks and that their important work would be recognized and supported.

Among the artists we chose were Tom Porter (Mohawk, Bear Clan), Ange Ferguson (Onondaga, Eel Clan), and Dan Hill (Cayuga, Heron Clan). These individuals have long been committed to engaging with Haudenosaunee communities, demonstrating, teaching, and sharing their skills with little to no financial compensation. We felt it was crucial to provide them the support they deserved, especially as their work serves to perpetuate Haudenosaunee culture. The cohort also included elders, artists, and culture bearers with a broad range of artistic skills and talents, which enabled meaningful exchanges during our meetings. The diversity of this group allowed for cross-generational and cross-disciplinary sharing that enriched everyone involved.

Initially, we brought our group together on a monthly basis, with the aim of fostering deeper connections and building trust within the cohort. As the relationships within the group strengthened, we transitioned to meeting every other month, and eventually on a quarterly basis. These regular gatherings allowed the artists and culture bearers to bond and share their individual projects, updates on community work, and ideas for collective action. For example, one of the artists designed a comprehensive setup for a traveling display that reflected Haudenosaunee culture. This setup included everything from artwork and graphics to the materials used in constructing modular tables, which were then used by the artists as a group or individually for presentations, demonstrations, and sales at various Haudenosaunee communities, as well as at Ganondagan during our annual Indigenous Music & Arts Festival.

One of the primary goals of selecting these artists and culture bearers was to support those who were already doing good work within their communities. Angela Ferguson (Onondaga, Eel Clan), for example, is a passionate advocate for food sovereignty, particularly through seed-saving and traditional cooking practices. With the support from CRNY, Ange was able to access the tools and resources she needed to travel to various Haudenosaunee communities to engage directly with people, share her knowledge, and demonstrate the significance of food sovereignty. Thanks to this program, Ange was able to focus more strategically on her work and participate in opportunities that may not have been possible otherwise, including presenting at Farm Aid alongside legendary figures like Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews. She used this platform to discuss food sovereignty, the importance of sustainable food systems, and the role of Indigenous communities in these systems.

Another standout member of our cohort is Jamie Jacobs (Tonawanda Seneca, Turtle Clan), a gifted quillwork artist, curator, and culture bearer. Jamie has dedicated much of his time to teaching and learning about Haudenosaunee material culture, traveling extensively to share his expertise. Thanks to CRNY, Jamie was able to focus on an important project, the research and development of a Seneca language dictionary. In addition, Jamie had the opportunity to present on Haudenosaunee material culture at museums in London, Paris, and Germany, further solidifying his role as a leader in the field.

These are just a few examples of the impact that the CRNY program has had on the Haudenosaunee artists and culture bearers in our cohort. Their work has been elevated and empowered in ways that have allowed them to reach new audiences, expand their teaching, and deepen their connections to their cultural practices.

A key aspect of the program that cannot be overlooked is health care benefits. Shortly after the program began, one of the artists in our group became seriously ill. Thanks to the health benefits provided by CRNY, he was able to receive the care he needed and make a full recovery. His commitment to the program never wavered, as he attended meetings even while using a walker or cane, demonstrating the resilience and dedication of our artists. Several other artists also benefited greatly from having access to high-quality health care, including mental health support, which proved crucial for their overall well-being and continued participation in the program.

Our experience with CRNY has been a deeply enriching and transformative one for the Haudenosaunee artists and culture bearers we have worked with. The support, connections, and opportunities provided through this program have not only helped to elevate their individual artistic practices but have also contributed to the cultural strengthening of our communities. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and look forward to continuing to work with CRNY to support Indigenous artists and culture bearers in the future. 

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Jeanette Jemison is a member of the Snipe Clan of the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation. Her 20 years of experience as Personnel Manager and Retail General Office Manager for Sears proved to be an excellent foundation for her role as Friends of Ganondagan’s founding Executive Director. In this role for 25 years, Jeanette was additionally responsible for cultural programming, events and community collaborations. In July 2013, she stepped aside to a new Executive Director assuming the role of Program Director focusing on Haudenosaunee and Indigenous programming and select collaborations. For more than three decades, Jeanette has been instrumental in the development of innovative and transformational cultural programs for Ganondagan and profound community connections. Her leadership encompasses collaborating with Haudenosaunee and other Indigenous communities, local and regional organizations, and numerous volunteers in program implementation and community building. Additionally, Jeanette has been a powerful advocate for Haudenosaunee artists, culture bearers and youth.

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Husking Bee — Ganondagan’s White Corn Project. Photo credit: Alex Hamer Photography.