Speakers and Performers Bios

Onondaga Nation, Eel Clan

Seed keeper, Maize farmer, Supervisor of the Onondaga Nation Farm

Angela Ferguson is a prominent leader in the Indigenous food sovereignty movement. As the supervisor of the Onondaga Nation Farm, she oversees traditional agricultural practices to grow and distribute healthy, traditional foods throughout her community. She is also a co-founder of Braiding the Sacred, a grassroots network of Indigenous seed keepers dedicated to preserving, protecting, and rematriating thousands of heritage seed varieties across Turtle Island. 

Cayuga Nation, Bear Clan

Sachem Sam George, a Bear Clan chief condoled in 2005, is a Cayuga Nation leader dedicated to preserving Haudenosaunee heritage, language, and traditional ceremonies. Returning to his ancestral homeland in 2014, he oversaw the construction of the Cayuga School House and serves on leadership bodies like the Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force and External Relations Committee. Guided by the Great Law of Peace and the principle of the Good Mind, he advocates for community leadership, environmental protection, and cultural wisdom to ensure a strong future for generations to come.

Wah’hasoñhdah (he's adding on)

Faithkeeper

Onondaga Nation, Beaver Clan

Anthony Gonyea is an Onondaga Nation Faithkeeper with over 30 years of experience as the Section 106 and NAGPRA representative for the Onondaga. A skilled artist, he is renowned for recreating meticulous replica wampum belts, providing museums and educational institutions with authentic-looking displays in exchange for the return or preservation of historic originals. Through his craftsmanship and advocacy, he uses wampum as a vital tool to teach Haudenosaunee treaties, history, and the living presence of Indigenous sovereignty to the broader public.

Onondaga Nation, Beaver Clan

As a Clan Mother, Wendy Gonyea helps fulfill traditional duties of leadership, governance, and spiritual stewardship to uphold the Great Law of Peace and preserveIndigenous cultural practices. She is also a poet and writer, and community leader serving as an active advocate and voice for environmental issues, education reform, and the removal of Native American mascots in local schools.

Onondaga Nation, Turtle Clan

Perry Ground is a storyteller and cultural educator. For over 25 years, he has brought traditional Haudenosaunee legends and history to life through dynamic, interactive, and humorous performances across schools, museums, and festivals. Dedicated to preserving Native American oral traditions, he adapts centuries-old stories into engaging presentations that teach audiences of all ages about Indigenous culture and beliefs.  

Yekara'tons (she tells stories)

Onondaga Nation, Deer Clan

Author, Storyteller, Psychotherapist, Artist

Bio coming soon

Buy her book here

Seneca Nation, Wolf Clan

Ansley Jemison serves as a Cultural Liaison at the Ganondagan State Historic Site. A former Division I lacrosse player at Syracuse University and past Executive Director for the Haudenosaunee Nationals, he uses the traditional medicine game of lacrosse to teach cultural values, leadership, and Indigenous sovereignty to youth. As an educator and host of the Original Peoples Podcast (Ongwehonwe), he leverages digital media to amplify Native voices, share traditional knowledge, promote higher education, and bridge cultural understanding across generations.

Ohsgoñ:da'

Onondaga Nation, Hawk Clan

Spencer Lyons was raised within the traditional lifeways of the central fire of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. In 2019, he was chosen by his clan to serve as a Hoyane (Chief) under the title of Hoyoñnyeñ:nih, representing his clan family on the Onondaga Nation Council. Beyond his leadership role, he works actively as a cultural educator, supporting the Onondaga Language Program, consulting with environmental and external relations committees, and advocating for the preservation of Indigenous traditions for future generations.

Onondaga Nation, Beaver Clan

Chris Thomas is an acclaimed singer, dancer, and cultural presenter known for his high-energy performances of traditional Haudenosaunee music and dance. Specializing in the Smoke Dance—a fast-paced, competitive Native American dance form celebrated for its complex footwork and rhythms—he shares the rich living heritage of his people with audiences worldwide. Through his dynamic presentations and community leadership, he preserves Indigenous performance traditions while teaching the history, spirit, and athleticism behind Haudenosaunee social dances.

Sakokwenionkwas (the one who wins)

Mohawk Nation, Bear Clan

Tom Porter is a revered Mohawk Elder, author, and spiritual leader of the Bear Clan within the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Since the 1960s, he has dedicated his life to cultural preservation, founder of the Kanatsiohareke Mohwak Community near Fonda, New York and co-founder of the "White Roots of Peace" traveling movement and the Mohawk-language Akwesasne Freedom School. Widely respected as an educator and keeper of oral traditions, he shares Haudenosaunee creation stories, philosophy, and historical wisdom to foster cross-cultural understanding and to heal Native communities.

Onondaga Nation, Eel Clan

The Thompson Family is a Haudenosaunee professional lacrosse dynasty hailing from the Onondaga Nation. Revered for their fluid, creative playing style and record-shattering collegiate and professional careers, they have redefined modern lacrosse while honoring it as the traditional Medicine Game. Through their platform and community work, the family actively promotes cultural pride, advocates for Indigenous youth, and shares the deep spiritual roots of the sport worldwide.

Onondaga Nation, Beaver Clan

Sherri Waterman-Hopper leads the Haudenosaunee Singers and Dancers, a renowned cultural ensemble from the Onondaga Nation Territory near Syracuse, New York. Together, they travel internationally to share traditional social dances, songs, and storytelling that celebrate gratitude for the natural world. Combining dynamic live performance with insights into intricate, handcrafted regalia, the group educates audiences of all ages while preserving and honoring living Indigenous traditions.