It was with great sadness that I read Steve Comer's commentary ("The lasting of the Mohicans," Nov. 19). While I agree with much of what Mr. Comer writes and honor the legacy and continuing contributions of the Mohican people, I also am grateful the Brookfield Renewable Power company is giving this land at Cohoes Falls to the Hiawatha Institute.
This is the site of a Peacemaker miracle and, therefore, sacred to all Iroquois people. The historical event directly led to the Mohawk people becoming the first nation to join the Iroquois Confederacy. I am sorry Mr. Comer cannot rejoice over the land once again being designated to, and recognized by, the original people, instead making his own claims upon it. In the spirit of the Peacemaker, the land should never be owned but available to all.
Mr. Comer cites historical data indicating the presence of the Mohicans in the area in the 17th century, but his factual information is irrelevant to the donation of land that is tied to the time of the Peacemaker and Hiawatha.
Evidence cited by archaeologist Dean Snow and others places the Mohawks at Cohoes Falls in the 15th and 16th centuries and into the 17th century. The oral history of the Iroquois tells of a complete solar eclipse on the date the Five Nations joined. Eclipses happened at that spot in 1451 and 1536 and, for many years, the time of the Peacemaker and his disciple Hiawatha was so dated. More recent dating, combining astronomical and archaeological evidence along with historical records, has pushed back the era of the Peacemaker further.
Regardless, it is clear the Mohawks were in the Capital Region pre-white settlement, and territorial boundaries were fluid. After first contact, diseases raged across the continent decimating native populations. People retreated from lands they had once inhabited and borders shrunk to better protect those who were left.
Ultimately, these dates don't matter. Let us celebrate the heritage we all enjoy, "that our hearts may come together and our minds be as one."
MELINDA MORRIS PERRIN
Seneca Indian
Historical Society
Scotia