Waterfall Unity Festival
Friday, July 28 – Sunday, July 30, 2023
There is a suggested donation of $40 per day
The Waterfall Unity Alliance, an indigenous led non-profit in the Schoharie Valley, is thrilled to announce the 2023 Waterfall Unity Festival. The benefit concert and celebration will take place on July 28th to 30th at a traditional Haudenosaunee teaching longhouse being constructed at 1160 Bear Ladder Road in West Fulton, New York.
By attending the 2023 Waterfall Unity Festival, individuals will not only have a memorable experience but also contribute to the ongoing efforts of the Waterfall Unity Alliance in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Kanien’kehá:ka people.
Performers include Theresa Bear Fox, Peter Yarrow (Peter Paul & Mary), Keith Secola, Bethany Yarrow, Kyp Malone (TV On the Radio), Semiah Smith, Kahsenniyo Williams, Mercedes Terrance, Onondaga Women’s Singing Society, Kanerahtiio Roger Jock, Maria Esther Pallares, Tsering Lodoe, Sean Rowe, Whise, Stephanie Rooker & Ben Tyree, Rebecca Martin & Larry Grenadier and more.
“We are excited to extend an invitation to individuals from all walks of life to join us at this year’s festival where we will celebrate and honor our return to our homelands,” says Kawenniiosta Jock, Co-Executive Director of the Waterfall Unity Alliance. “The success of our inaugural festival last summer helped us raise the necessary funds to purchase Bohringer’s Fruit Farm. It has been renamed as Iotsi’tsisons (Skywoman’s) Forever Farm – a 60 acre berry farm in the heart of Skóhare, the ancestral lands of our people where my own great-great grandmothers came from. This isn’t just a berry farm to us. These lands hold a significant part in our journey to self-discovery. We are so grateful for this opportunity to return here, while creating the space needed for our people to heal and grow.”
All proceeds from this year’s festival will go directly towards building a Kanien’kehá:ka language and culture immersion program. “As we continue to walk the path of healing and sovereignty, returning to our language is crucial. Our immersion programs will ensure that our language and life-ways will be carried forward to future generations.” says Kawenniiosta.
During the day, festival attendees can participate in a variety of workshops, teachings, traditional social dance, vendors, food and crafts – all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Kanien’kehá:ka culture, artistic expression, and community bonding.
“The Waterfall Unity Festival is a testament to the power of unity and community support,” says Bethany Yarrow, Schoharie County resident and co-founder of the Waterfall Unity Alliance. “We invite everyone to come together and join us for an unforgettable weekend of music, learning, cultural exchange and ceremonial acknowledgement of our shared commitment to right the wrongs of history and work together to protect the Schoharie Valley and all Earth.”
Overnight camping during the festival is available for an additional donation of $50 per night, but it is important to note that tickets and camping registration must be secured in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees. No RVs.
The Waterfall Unity Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering cultural understanding, promoting unity, and preserving the cultural heritage of the Haudenosaunee people. Through various initiatives, including the Waterfall Unity Festival and the acquisition of Iotsi’tsisons (Skywoman’s) Forever Farm, the Alliance strives to build alliances across movements and cultures and help create collaborative solutions to the existential challenges of our time.
Music • Haudenosaunee Teaching & Stories • Haudenosaunee Crafts & Products • Haudenosaunee Social Dancing • Crystal Healing Workshop • Corn Husk Doll Making • Vendor & Crafts • Waterfalls & River Swimming • Wild Mustang Encounters • Campfires
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY – JUL 28
12 pm – community afternoon, set-up, swimming, help out;
6 pm- social dance at Iotsi’tsisons (Skywoman’s) Forever Farm
SATURDAY – JUL 29
6 am – Sunrise Prayer
10 am – workshops, crafts, songs, dances, teachings, swimming, mustang encounter
6 pm – concert
SUNDAY – JUL 30
6 am – Sunrise Prayer
10 am – Mustang encounters, workshops, crafts, teachings, closing songs and thanksgiving
6 pm – break down
THIS IS A DRUG & ALCOHOL FREE EVENT
For more information, tickets, and registration, please visit www.waterfallunityalliance.org.
