Celebrating 200 years of the Erie Canal

Celebrating the Planting of the White Pine Tree of Peace

By Elizabeth Walsh

Thank you to everyone who braved the cold and rain on November 9th to help plant the White Pine Tree of Peace in Riverside Park, near the isles named for the five original nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

The symbolic sapling was given as a gift to the City and County of Schenectady on October 14 by the crew of the “Seneca Chief” boat on its voyage from Buffalo to NYC to commemorate the 200 year anniversary of the completion of the Erie Canal, while also honoring the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s legacy of democratic governance and sustainable development.

Over 70 community members gathered for a moving ceremony led by Kawenniiosta Jock of the Mohawk Nation and John Skenandore of the Oneida Nation of Skywoman’s Forever Farm. They shared the enduring teachings of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, including the Words Before All Else, the Great Law of Peace, and the story of the Great Tree of Peace—under whose roots the original five nations symbolically buried their weapons.

Skenandore reminded us that “our words have velocity,” and invited us to reflect on the stories and beliefs we each carry that hinder peace.

Participants were then welcomed to release those burdens into the soil as the young tree was planted. Many hands helped make the planting possible—from pre-paring the site and caring for the tree beforehand to sharing sacred herbs, seeds, and post-ceremony hospitality at the Stockade Inn. We are grateful for everyone who contributed their time, skills, and goodwill to this meaningful moment of community connection. We are especially grateful to community leaders from ReTree Schenectady, Electric City Community Grocery, Inner Bliss Yoga & Wellness, and the Stockade Neighborhood Association for their efforts to create this special community event.

A note from the Beautification Committee: Alongside the White Pine, four new maple trees have recently been planted to support shade, beauty, and long-term ecological health.