An international exhibition titled “Deskaheh in Geneva 1923-2023: Defending Haudenosaunee Sovereignty” will take place from September 24 to 28, 2023, on the Arts Quad. This outdoor exhibit commemorates the seminal intervention by Deskaheh Levi General on behalf of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy at the League of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland in 1923. Deskaheh’s petition is recognized as a pivotal moment in the global Indigenous sovereignty movement that addressed structural inequities faced by Indigenous peoples throughout the 20th century.
Deskaheh, a Gayogoho꞉nǫʔ (Cayuga) hoyaneh (chief or titleholder), acted as a spokesperson for the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, representing six sovereign nations: the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. His advocacy at the League of Nations marked a significant step in highlighting the rights of Indigenous peoples on an international platform.
Exhibit Goals and Significance
The exhibit aims to celebrate Deskaheh’s contributions to Indigenous rights while emphasizing the ongoing relevance of Geneva as a hub for advocacy on these issues. “The goal of the exhibit is to celebrate Deskaheh’s work in favor of Indigenous peoples and the role that Geneva has played and still plays in this field. It expresses the voices of the Haudenosaunee and Geneva allies,” said Jolene Rickard, curator of the exhibit and associate professor of history of art and visual studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. Rickard, who belongs to the Tuscarora Nation, underscores the importance of recognizing both historical and contemporary struggles for sovereignty and justice.
The exhibition will feature a variety of installations that reflect the historical context of Deskaheh’s mission and the broader Indigenous rights movement. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with multimedia presentations that showcase the impact of Deskaheh’s work and the enduring legacy of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Broader Impact and Community Engagement
This event not only honors a significant historical figure but also serves as a catalyst for discussions on Indigenous rights today. It aims to foster dialogue among various communities, encouraging a deeper understanding of the challenges Indigenous peoples continue to face globally.
The exhibition is expected to attract a diverse audience, including students, academics, and members of the public interested in social justice and human rights. By bringing together these voices and stories, the exhibit seeks to inspire action and solidarity in the ongoing fight for Indigenous sovereignty.
For more information about the exhibit, visit the College of Arts and Sciences website.
