The way of the
peacemaker
Out of many, one
The Great Peacemaker
Carmen Gonzales and John Mahkewa received teachings on the great law of peace from the lake Chief Jake Swamp at a Permaculture Design Course held at DQ University in Davis, CA. Our commitment to the work of peacemaking marks “our willingness to work together for peace and protection.” Chief Jake Swamp declared, “We are teaching the young children to gather their minds as one and direct their thoughts to the earth.”
Tree of peace
The tree of peace our founding fathers alluded to was the White Pine, the symbol for the Iroquois Constitution, known as "the great law of peace." According to oral tradition, the leaders of the Iroquois Confederacy planted a white pine after its founding in the 15th century. When the tree of peace was planted, the people buried their hatchets under the tree symbolic of throwing aside feelings of hatred and prejudice.
Peacemaking in action
The principals of peacemaking infuse all of the work we do. As Indigenous People, we honor the original instructions of the Holy People who instruct us in the right ways of honoring nature and each other.