Norma Jacobs: The Two Row Wampum

We are pleased to welcome Norma Jacobs, Wolf Clan, Caugga Nation of the Great Haudenausaunee Confederacy to speak to us on the two row wampum.

Her Ongwehonwe “the real people” name is Gae Ho Hwako “ancestral females holding the canoe before me” carries a profound responsibility. She is a Longhouse Faithkeeper and Elder. She has held strong through the onset of colonialism to her culture, language, values and beliefs.

“We have forgotten about Odagahodhes (the sacred meeting space) between the ship and the canoe, where we originally agreed on the Two Row, and to which we must return today if we are to talk about the impacts that we have experienced because of its violation. It is always about finding a way to that sacred space...”