“If our time on earth is to endure, we must love the earth in the strong, unsentimental way of traditional peoples, not seeking to exploit but to live in balance with the natural world.”
 ~ Peter Matthiessen, from Indian Country

On May 30 & 31, the PMC was honored to welcome Chief Oren Lyons, Faithkeeper of the Onondaga Nation, and friend of the late Peter Matthiessen, as the inaugural speaker for The Matthiessen Talks, a new collaborative series dedicated to exploring the relationships between humanity and nature. Chief Lyons, and his son Rex, were joined by cultural educator and artist Shane “Bizhiki Nibauit” Weeks of the Shinnecock Nation. The weekend included a visit to Ma's House, a BIPOC art residency located on the Shinnecock Nation, founded by artist Jeremy Dennis and an intimate dinner and gathering at the LongHouse Reserve, including members of the Shinnecock Tribal Council. The Matthiessen Talks took place at The Church in Sag Harbor, in collaboration with the Indigenous art exhibition Eternal Testament, curated by Jeremy Dennis and Meranda Roberts, Phd. 

CHIEF OREN LYONS

Chief Oren Lyons, a Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan who serves as a Member Chief of the Onondaga Council of Chiefs and the Grand Council of the Iroquois Confederacy (the Haudenosaunee peoples), is an accomplished artist, social and environmental activist, and author; a Professor Emeritus at SUNY Buffalo; a leading voice at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Human Rights for Indigenous Peoples; and the recipient of many prestigious national and international prizes including the U.N. NGO World Peace Prize. Oren also serves on the boards of several major nonprofit organizations and social enterprises; is founder and principal of One Bowl Productions, a purpose-driven film and television production company; and is an All-American Lacrosse Hall of Famer and Honorary Chairman of the Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse Team. Enjoy a moving speech given by Oren at the 2024 Bioneers Conference by clicking here!

SHANE WEEKS

Shane Weeks is a member of the Shinnecock Nation of Southampton, New York. Shane’s traditional name is “Bizhiki Nibauit,” which means Standing Buffalo. He is also from the Buffalo Clan. Shane is dedicated to his community and represents his people in a number of capacities. He is also owner of Ohke Creations. As an author, traditional singer and dancer, cultural consultant, artist, and a member of several boards and committees. In 2023 Shane was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Award by HRM Queen Angelique Monet of the Eti-Oni Lands of Nigeria and founder of the New Generation In Action organization. Shane’s mission is to bridge the gap between his community of Shinnecock, the local community, and communities abroad. Learn more about Shane by clicking here.

REX LYONS

Rex Lyons (Deho Wih Da Dih: “He Gets the Message Through”), Onondaga Nation Citizen, Eel Clan, a former world-class lacrosse player and coach with the Haudenosaunee Nationals and Rochester Knighthawks, currently sits on the board of the Haudenosaunee Nationals. A business consultant and retired tradesman, Rex is also an accomplished vocalist and guitarist and current President of the New York State Blues Festival. His most recent endeavor is co-creating a 501(c)(3) for the Haudenosaunee Nationals Lacrosse Organization.