![](\"\/sites\/default\/files\/pnl\/images\/two-collaborators-on-stagebannertoned.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Editors\u2019 note: The Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign is a statewide education and advocacy campaign inspired by this year\u2019s 400th anniversary of the first treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Europeans. The treaty outlines a mutual commitment to friendship, peace and living in parallel forever. A campaign focal point is a symbolic enactment of the treaty, with Native people and allies paddling side-by-side down the Hudson River.<\/i><\/p>\n
April Tarbell and Kelly Edwards, two women from the Onondaga Nation, will be sharing their love (and well organized method) of cooking for several Two Row Campaign events. Kelly participated in the trial run for the symbolic enactment last summer, and April has cooked on a grand scale for a variety of gatherings, such as the Healing of the Waters in Minnesota. They both described the considerations of organizing to take care of large groups, especially when it involves sustaining paddlers.<\/p>\n
Kelly and April are used to it, they say, \u201cWe both cook for our ceremonies. April goes on the road and cooks when our people take trips\u2026 we have to think of every little detail!\u201d And there is a lot to think about when you anticipate cooking for 200 people for two weeks; but they are determined to provide nutritious and delicious meals every day. The menu includes venison and corn stew, a lot of hot scones, spaghetti, greens, and \u201cAmerican food\u201d \u2014like hot dogs and hamburgers. \u201cWe\u2019ve added some vegetarian dishes, too!\u201d they stated at an enactment meeting in February, \u201cbut we know our people have to get their meat!\u201d<\/p>\n
From the trial run, the group discovered a lot of things they didn\u2019t initially consider, such as the need for a significant supply of sunscreen and bug spray, clotheslines, and weather procedures. April and Kelly are part of the Ground Crew committee, which includes traveling ahead of the group to set up for meals and paddlers\u2019 campgrounds, along with clean up; they asserted, \u201cwe aren\u2019t going to be cleaning camper\u2019s dishes!\u201d The enactment committee is trying to be as green as possible, with biodegradable soap, mess kits, and reusable water bottles on the gear list. <\/p>\n
Kelly and April are aware they must expect the unexpected while traveling down the Hudson. Aside from self-care and food portions, they shared stories that are symbolic to the spirit of the Two Row. They recalled many people greeting them who had read about the trip in newspapers and who were kind enough to share their local knowledge of the areas. Kelly emphasizes the purpose of the trip from the Onondaga perspective, \u201cWe are always told that you don\u2019t turn people away. We aren\u2019t about that. And who knows, they might have something to offer too.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
At the end of Sharing the River of Life, the stage was full of Two Row Wampum Renewal collaborators. Photo: Tania Barricklo Editors\u2019 note: The Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign is a statewide education and advocacy campaign inspired by this year\u2019s 400th anniversary of the first treaty between…<\/p>\n