Event Description:
In the Ithaca area, there is a public park (Tutelo Park- http://www.town.ithaca.ny.us/parks/tutelopark.htm). In addition to having two of the oldest trees in the County, the park also commemorates a Native American village, Coreorgonal, that was maintained near the spot by the Cayugas in the eighteenth century. In the Cayuga's native language, Coreorgonal means "where we keep the pipe of peace." It was here that the Haudenosaunee (People of the Long House, the Iroquois Confederacy) welcomed the Tutelo and Saponi tribes to join them, after they were driven from their lands further South by the European settlers. Cayuga, Tutelo and other Haudenosaunee peoples gather at Tutelo Park for ceremonies at least annually. This is an historical example of the leadership of nations in league (the Haudenosaunee) in recognizing that we live under one sky with all peoples, and should live in peace. With the help of the ancestral native peoples in the area, through their stories, I would hope to have this event serve as an example of how we can care for our brothers and sisters who are in danger of displacement from the effects of climate change, and act in peace.

Location:
100 Bostwick Rd.

Directions:
Going South on Rt. 13A in Ithaca (Floral Ave.), turn Rt. on Bostwick Rd. Tutelo Park is less than one quarter mile from the intersection, on the left (South) side of the road, across from the Ithaca City School District Bus Garage.

Event Announcements

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Press release

21 Oct 20:05

October 20, 2007

Step It Up! Who’s a Leader? Local Climate Change Action Event

Tutelo Park Gathering to Feature Local Officials, Honor Haudensaunee Leaders of the Past, and Highlight Peace as a Means for Reducing Greenhouse Gases

On Saturday, November 3, the public is invited to join in a local event in collaboration with the National Day of Climate Change Action. As a part of the nationwide network Step It Up!, started by author, professor and climate change activist, Bill McKibben, there will be a “Who’s a Leader?” outdoor rally and education event held at 12:00 noon in Tutelo Park in the Town of Ithaca.

Now that Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, there has been more public interest in the connection between peace and climate change. The theme of the local Step It Up! “Who’s a Leader?” event will be “Where we keep the pipe of peace.” The phrase is the translated meaning of the name of the Cayuga village Coreogonal, which was located near the site of Tutelo Park centuries ago. Groups working with Step It Up! across the nation will be holding events at locations that honor the examples of great leaders in the past who have responsibly managed difficult challenges. This event will honor the leadership of the Cayugas and their fellow Haudenosaunee nations for their adoption of the Tutelo and Saponi peoples when they were displaced by European settlers from their own lands.

The event will include education about climate change, and information from local elected officials about what steps are being taken at the town, city, county, state and US level to meet the challenges of climate change. Many elected representatives have already agreed to speak, including Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, and representatives of town, city and county governments, as well as a representative from the office of Congressman Maurice Hinchey. There will also be activities for children, including “November Softball” (bring your bat and glove!) and nature walks to view a small wetland and two of the oldest trees in Tompkins County. As the issue of climate change is very important to young people, there will be an emphasis on encouraging families to begin to discuss the issue with young people, as well as an opportunity for pre-voting-age youth to make their voices heard directly.

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Our leaders will be there to speak!

25 Oct 00:43

We now have confirmed as speakers in our program Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, Dan Lamb (Field Representative from the Office of Congressman Maurice Hinchey), Ithaca Mayor Carolyn Peterson, Town of Ithaca Supervisor-elect Herb Engman, and several County, Town and City legislators.

But, the event will not only be about hearing what our elected leaders will be doing to address climate change. There will also be opportunities to learn and do at the picnic tables around the covered pavillion where the speakers and music will be (did you know there is cover from rainy weather at Tutelo Park?). And, softball on the baseball diamond (bring your glove, ball and bat). And, a chance to walk a short nature trail and see a couple of the oldest trees in Tompkins County. And, even, a chance to see how an electric bicycle works, and take a ride.

Tell

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What a Line-up!

31 Oct 00:33

Our tentative speaker schedule is really shaping up-- in addition to Assemblywoman Lifton, Ithaca Mayor Peterson, and a rep from Congressman Hinchey's office, we have leaders from the towns, from the City, from business, from Sustainable Tompkins, Energy Independent Caroline, and a youth view...

And, we will have activities and information at tables at the event-- don't worry about bringing the kids, there will be some recreational activities, too (try an electric bike, play pick-up softball and volleyball-- net, volleyball and diamond at park, but bring your own bats and gloves!).

See you there!

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Do you want to participate?

31 Oct 00:50

If you are a member of a group or business that promotes green or sustainable approaches in Tompkins County, you are welcome to participate in our event by staffing an information or activity table. Picnic tables are available at the park, and will be arrayed around the outside of the pavillion with the speakers.

Heck, we actually need a few more folks to help distribute info from tables that we got here, at the Step It UP! web site, too. Email me at KLC32@Cornell.edu if you would like to STEP UP to the challenge of helping to educate and involve the folks who come to the event!