Good News York Episode.153 – Rematriation with Michelle Shenandoah
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Michelle Shenandoah, Syracuse-based founder, storyteller, and educator, as she shares the powerful concept of Rematriation and its role in uplifting indigenous women’s voices and bringing Haudenosaunee knowledge to public conversation.
Michelle Shenandoah is the founder of Rematriation, a nonprofit organization celebrating its 10th year of important work, and the host of the PBS series "Rematriation Voices with Michelle Shenandoah." As a member of the Oneida Nation Wolf Clan, Michelle has dedicated her life to preserving indigenous culture, language, and knowledge systems while creating pathways for deeper understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous communities.
In this episode, we explore the multifaceted concept of Rematriation, returning the sacred to the mother and how it manifests across food sovereignty, cultural revitalization, language preservation, and governance. Michelle shares compelling insights about ancestral seeds and their connection to our DNA, the Haudenosaunee influence on the U.S. Constitution and women’s suffrage, and why these crucial perspectives have been largely absent from mainstream education and conversation.
We discuss the five-episode PBS series "Rematriation Voices" which explores topics ranging from the hidden indigenous roots of modern democracy to matrilineal culture and our relationship with Mother Earth. Michelle also shares her personal journey through education—from seventh grade to Cornell University to law school—and the shocking gaps in indigenous history she encountered at every level.
This conversation challenges us to think seven generations into the future, to understand our relationship with the land, and to recognize the profound indigenous knowledge that can help guide us toward a more sustainable and equitable world.
Learn More:
🌐 Rematriation: www.rematriation.org
📺 Watch Rematriation Voices on PBS: Search "Rematriation Voices WCNY"
🎟️ Upcoming Screening Event: March 31st at WCNY Studios (tickets on Eventbrite)
About Good News York:
Good News York highlights inspiring stories, innovative leaders, and positive change happening in and around New York.
🌐 Visit us: www.goodnewsyork.com
This episode is sponsored by Ads on the Go – Your partner for mobile advertising solutions that drive real results. Transform your marketing with eye-catching mobile billboard campaigns that reach your audience where they are. Learn more at www.getadsonthego.com
CHAPTERS:
0:00 – Introduction & Welcome
0:48 – Who is Michelle Shenandoah?
1:34 – Traditional Naming Practices
2:18 – What is Rematriation?
4:30 – Food Sovereignty & Ancestral Seeds
9:12 – Relationship with Mother Earth
10:26 – Climate Change & Environmental Impact
12:05 – Rematriation Voices PBS Series
13:07 – Hidden Roots of Democracy
14:01 – Eve Meets Sky Woman: Women’s Suffrage
14:46 – Matrilineal Men
15:30 – DIY Screening Series & Community Engagement
17:40 – Which Episode to Start With?
19:50 – Why Indigenous Perspectives Were Left Out
20:00 – The Doctrine of Discovery
22:40 – What Changes When We Learn This History?
24:12 – Local Education Experiences
26:00 – Michelle’s Educational Journey
27:05 – Missing History in Textbooks
28:33 – Cornell University Experience
30:00 – Law School & The Johnson v. McIntosh Case
31:47 – Creating Change Through Education
34:06 – Current Changes in Education
35:49 – How to Support & Get Involved
36:53 – Closing
