Saturday, June 21 at the Strawberry Moon Festival
Step into a space of connection, learning, and creativity. This Land-Based Healing Circle invites everyone to take part in a collaborative project: the creation of The Erie Canal Wampum Belt, marking 200 years of the Erie Canal with educator and master Storyteller Perry Ground. Through this immersive, hands-on experience, participants will not only contribute to the making of a new wampum belt — they’ll also learn about the historic and ongoing impacts of the Erie Canal on the Haudenosaunee people. This experience honors wampum as a living record of Indigenous diplomacy, history, and responsibilities — a tradition used to mark alliances, record treaties, and carry teachings across generations. This Land-Based Healing Circle is the first in a series of workshops that are part of Stories by the Fire — a seasonal offering of community gatherings that center Indigenous knowledge, creativity, and connection to land. Come learn, share, and be part of something meaningful.

Each session will culminate with master storyteller Perry Ground, these interactive stories will transport audiences into the rich oral traditions of the Haudenosaunee. With vivid descriptions, engaging narratives, and a dynamic stage presence, Perry weaves together history, humor, and audience participation to share centuries-old teachings. Through these legends, listeners of all ages will gain a greater understanding of Haudenosaunee customs, beliefs, and ways of knowing.

Begin your journey with the Land-Based Healing Circle Workshop, where you'll engage in a hands-on activity that deepens your connection to the land and Indigenous teachings. Then, gather by the fire as master storyteller Perry Ground brings Haudenosaunee legends to life, sharing wisdom passed down for generations. Sign up today to reserve your spot and be part of this immersive cultural experience!

Saturday, September 6 | 5:30–5:6:30 PM | Before Stories by the Fire
All Ages Welcome
Join us for the second Land-Based Healing Circle Workshop, an engaging, hands-on experience for all ages. In this creative workshop, guests will design their own piece of Indigenous regalia — painting personalized regalia designs on 17" x 24" paper. Participants will explore traditional clothing elements such as gustoweh, breach cloths, skirts, and necklaces while learning about the history, meaning, and cultural significance of Indigenous regalia. The workshop is led by Perry Ground, master storyteller and respected educator, who will guide the experience with insight and inspiration. This Land-Based Healing Circle is the second in a series of workshops that are part of Stories by the Fire — a seasonal offering of community gatherings that center Indigenous knowledge, creativity, and connection to land. This is a free event, but registration is required to ensure enough materials are available for everyone.

Guests are invited to stay afterward for Stories by the Fire, beginning at 6:00 PM. Come learn, share, and be part of something meaningful.

Saturday, October 11 | 4:00–5:30 PM | Before Stories by the Fire
All Ages Welcome
Join us for the third Land-Based Healing Circle Workshop, where guests of all ages are invited to create their own corn husk doll — a meaningful Haudenosaunee tradition that carries teachings about humility, gratitude, and the gift of corn. As you shape your doll, you'll learn about the central role of corn in Haudenosaunee culture — one of the Three Sisters and a sacred gift from Sky Woman. The corn husk doll, often made without a face, teaches a powerful lesson: that no one is more important than another, and true beauty lies in what we do, not how we appear. This is a free event, but registration is required to ensure enough materials are available for everyone. This Land-Based Healing Circle is the third in a series of workshops that are part of Stories by the Fire — a seasonal offering of community gatherings that center Indigenous knowledge, creativity, and connection to land.

Guests are invited to stay afterward for Stories by the Fire, beginning at 6:00 PM. Come learn, share, and be part of something meaningful.