Join Ndakinna Education Center September 23rd for the 2023 Harvest Celebration! Located just 3 miles from downtown Saratoga Springs at 23 Middle Grove Rd, Greenfield Center, NY 12833, the event will be open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 

The celebration will feature a traditional Haudenosaunee Opening Ceremony by Tom Sakokwenionkwas Porter. Porter (Sakokwenionkwas-“The One Who Wins”) is the founder, spokesperson and spiritual leader of the Mohawk Community of Kanatsiohareke (Ga na jo ha lay gay) located in Fonda, New York, and is a member of the Bear Clan of the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne.

The celebration will also have native vendors and food (available from Iroquois Eatery), performances by the Haudenosaunee Singers and Dancers, and storytelling by Kay Ionataiewas Olan, Perry Ground, Roger Paul, and Ndakinna’s own James, Jesse, and Joseph Bruchac. 

Vendors include Alicia Cook, Lacey Reusswig, Tahatie Montour, MJ Schenandoah, and more!

“We’re excited to bring back the harvest celebration for a second year here at Ndakinna,” said James Bruchac, Director of the Ndakinna Education Center. “It’s important that we celebrate the rich heritage, history, and continuing survival of our region’s indigenous peoples and their cultures.”

Porter will finish the afternoon off with a Traditional Haudenosaunee Closing Ceremony.

This event is fun for all ages; but be aware that space will be limited. The event has a suggested donation of $10 per adult, or $15 per family that can be paid at the door on Saturday. No further presales are available at this time. Didn’t pre-register? Don’t fret! We will have space for additional guests throughout the day, but preference is given to those that signed up early.

Schedule for the day:

Noon: Tom Porter: Opening Address

12:30: Jim/Jesse/Joe Bruchac: welcoming with music and storytelling

1:00 pm: Haudenosaunee Singers and Dancers (30 minutes)

1:30 pm— Kay Olan storytelling (20 minutes)

2:00 pm— Roger Paul storytelling (20 minutes)

2:30 pm — Perry Ground storytelling (20 minutes)

BREAK

3:30 pm: Haudenosaunee Singers and Dancers (30 minutes)

4:00 pm: Kay Olan storytelling (20 minutes)

4:30 pm: Roger Paul storytelling (20 minutes)

5:00 pm: Perry Ground storytelling (20 minutes)

5:30 pm: Tom Porter: Closing Words

6 pm: Festival closes

Funded in part by the MDOCS Co-Creation Initiative and the Mellon Foundation.

Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

All Photos Courtesy Barb Tyler Photography