He talked a bit about his own biography to ground his story, starting out in the NY corporate illustration world, but was called back to his roots and traditions by the grandmothers and clan leaders to serve and lead at a critical time in his people’s story. He had his doubts, but answered their call, yet it cost him everything of this world; his family at the time, wife and house, etc.<\/p>\n
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/alyssahinton.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Alyssa-Hinton-WVU-Native-Studies-Peace-Tree-Ceremony-Oren-Lyons-5-590x787.jpg\")
Close up of Oren Lyons speaking at WVU Peace Tree Ceremony with bald eagle<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/h3>\nAdvocate at the United Nations<\/h3>\n
That said, he gained so much wisdom, understanding and benefit…and he studied w\/the elders, and went on to teach at a university. He became a spokesperson for the people, but also for the indigenous cause across Turtle Island, and the world at large. In that role, his biggest public one, he was as an advocate at the United Nations to ensure an indigenous place and voice at\/in that world body. This led, after a long journey and struggle, to the passage of the UN Resolution on Indigenous Rights in 2007.<\/p>\n
![\"Iroquois](\"https:\/\/alyssahinton.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Alyssa-Hinton-WVU-Native-Studies-Peace-Tree-Ceremony-Oren-Lyons-6-590x443.jpg\")
Iroquois Great Tree of Peace illustration projected on the stage as ranger carries bald eagle back across the stage!<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/h3>\nPeacemaker, who came to the Iroquois 1000 years ago<\/h3>\n
Beyond all these specifics, he told the story of the Peacemaker<\/strong>, who came to the Iroquois 1000 years ago, and informed the audience that the true history of the founding of this country is not told…it is suppressed. The fact is the founding fathers met for\u00a0over a span of one generation<\/strong> with the Iroquois elders to learn how a confederacy could work, and hold together, as the Iroquois nations had done over the years.<\/p>\nFounding Fathers<\/h3>\n
The founding fathers listened then, but haven’t listened to recent warnings<\/strong> about the earth and the role and importance of peace. He said that peace is hard, and the prophecies are real in the here and now\u2026and it is only going to get worse. The window is closing as to our chance to hear and change the way we live on the earth, but it is still possible.<\/p>\nHe challenged the audience and the young people in particular to get involved in human rights causes, sustainability movements,<\/strong> and the like, as it is their generation that can make the difference before it’s too late.<\/p>\n\n\t\t
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alyssahinton.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Alyssa-Hinton-cover-of-Let-Magic-Happen-Larry-Burk-6-590x787.jpg\")
<\/p>\n