Diane L. Schenandoah
Oneida Nation Wolf Clan Faithkeeper,
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
Diane is a faithkeeper of the Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan of the Six Nations Haudenosaunee Confederacy. She is also a sculptor, published author, singer, and Syracuse University’s first Honwadiyenawa’sek, meaning “the one who helps them.” Through the role, she creates spaces with students to help them enhance their emotional and spiritual wellness.
Raised on the Oneida Indian Territory, Diane was inspired by her artist mother, Maisie Schenadoah, who is a Wolf Clanmother of the Oneida people. She started her art career while attending the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she received her degree in Fine Arts/3D and Creative Writing. Although she had been an artist throughout her life, Diane became aware that one of her greatest gifts from the Creator was her ability to fashion clay and carve bone and stones into images that reflect her culture. As a Faithkeeeper for the Wolf Clan, the spiritul significance of her work is paramount. Diane also shares Haudenosaunee legends, moral lessons and the importance of the social, spiritual and emotional well being of her people through her art. As a mother of five children, much of her art work consists of mothers and babies.
For many years, Diane has conducted workshops for the Oneida children, which include creative writing, sculpting and culture presentations. She is highly regarded in the Oneida community. Diane has served as a member of the New York State Foundation of the Arts as well as Board of Directors at the Rome Community Arts Council in Rome, New York.
Relevant Media
“The Good Mind” & the roots of U.S. democracy: Indian roots of American democracy
Witness to Injustice: The Blanket Exercise by Syracuse Peace Council
The Great Tree of Peace: Stone Quarry Art Park
The Great Law of Peace: John Mohawk & Oren Lyons radio interview
Haudenosaunee’s Legendary Founding: PBS “Native America - Sacred Stories” series
The Thanksgiving Address: “Words That Come Before All Else,” Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force
Diane’s position as Honwadiyenawa’sek at Syracuse University in the Syracuse University News
The erasure of true history: “Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
Diane’s artistry: “Diane Schenandoah: A Great Talent “ by Liz Obomsawin
The Role of Women in Haudenosaunee society: “They are the Soul of the Councils: The Iroquoian Model of Women Power” in “Societies of Peace”
Haudenosaunee Sovereignty: Onondaga Nation
The Doctrine of Discovery and the Sullivan Clinton Campaign: American Indian Law Alliance
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