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9-11 Response
Wendy Gonyea
In the same manner the dates Dec. 7,1941 and Nov. 22, 1963, instantly bring up visual images of tragedy, September 11, 2001 will also be memorialized. We will remember the day when the United States experienced a fatal blow that continues to shake the foundation of a world super power. We watched our television sets bring instant images of the pre-planned terrorist assault with a direct hit into the heart of America. The financial district came to a gruesome halt, the headquarters of the U.S. military was wounded, and the death of thousands of citizens continues to haunt heartbroken survivors. The doomed airline flights, the World Trade Towers, and the Pentagon were targets of the depraved depth of man's inhumanity to man.
That morning we gathered at our Longhouse as we do in times of great strife. We were strengthened by the support of one another and did what we knew was proper to take care of those who are in need. Our leaders spoke. Their words were carried skywards. Our spirits were lifted.
Shocking as the days events were, our Clanmothers shed light on the matter by reminding us that our ancestors and western brothers and sisters were the victims too of much the same tragic terrorism in our long struggle to co-exist with the newcomers to our lands. Our people fled. Our people were cut down. Our children cried. We understand the hurt. We've lived through it. They will too.
The days following September 11 will be remembered also. Events were cancelled, candles were lit and eulogies spoken. In the midst of all the sorrow and fear, families were drawn closer together, people were forced to take time out. The bird life regained the skies as airlines shut down. Money didn't mean as much as the stock market closed and malls locked their doors. Materialism took a back seat to compassion and family. For many days continuous media coverage of the aftermath and search for survivors was the only choice on the menu. Firefighters, police officers and rescue personnel became heroes, patriotism swelled, and President George Bush, whose brief presidential stint was in serious trouble, became an instant leader. America needed a President.
Back home, at Onondaga, our leaders met in Council and put their minds together to send condolences to the American people and their leader. They wrote a letter dated September 13 addressed to Honnahdahguyus (Village Destroyer) sending "condolences, prayers and support to the families and friends of the innocent victims of this ruthless attack."
The letter reads:
"Brother, It is with great dismay that we witness this assault against world peace...World leaders must be resolute and resourceful against the zealot's provocations. Reason must balance reaction. Peace is dynamic and requires perseverance, compassion and a visionary commitment to future generations...Brother: In the spirit of the Covenant Chain of Friendship between our two peoples, our leaders offer you and your fellow leaders our hand to stand with you in compassion and sympathy in this great tragedy that affects us all and may change the course of history."
The letter was signed by Chief Sidney Hill, Tadadaho.
As the terrorist trail is uncovered by federal investigators, the talk of war and retaliation escalates across the United States. Authorities are pointing the finger at Osama bin Laden but have not produced hard evidence that he was the mastermind of the attack. The U. S. has demanded the current government of Afghanistan, the Taliban, turn over bin Laden, but the Taliban insists they see proof of his guilt. Pres. Bush said the U.S. will "smoke him out" and threatens Afghanistan with "consequences." Other world leaders have rallied behind the U.S. Tony Blair, Prime Minister of Great Britian calls for the Taliban to "surrender the terrorist or surrender the power."
Polling leads us to believe that an overwhelming majority of U.S. citizens support our military activities. There is, however, a segment of America's citizens who are calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. A rally in Washington D.C. Sept. 29th called for an end to violence. "Destroy imperialism, not Afghanistan" read a sign. At our Onondaga Nation Festival, Syracuse peace activist, Andy Mager addressed the gathering with a voice against war and more terrorism. The Secretary General of the Millenium World Peace Summit issued a statement Sept. 14th urging religious leaders to "speak out in their communities against this violence, to stand with the people of the United States in the effort to recover from this enormous tragedy."
The citizens of America are raising millions of dollars for the thousands of families who have suffered enormous losses that heart-wrenching morning. Americans are united in a massive humanitarian effort. Some native communities have organized and donated funds and supplies to the rescue effort. Ironworkers from Akwesasne were working on high steel dangerously close to the World Trade Towers that day. Thankfully they were all accounted for. Many people here have family members working in NYC or traveling to New York or Washington that morning, one family experiencing the worry about the safety of a Pentagon employee.
Many of our leaders have commented about September 11th. Sherman Alexie, noted Coeur d'Alene author, in a time out from his usual wit and humor told a recent audience to "look at the events from a global perspective, emphasizing that 32,000 children die of starvation every day."
On 9-11-01 Americans were forced to take a look at how the U.S. has treated other peoples and perhaps re-evaluate policies and actions of a dominant affluent society. The generous outpouring and selfless actions by the American people to help their fellow man has been remarkable. Keeping that spirit alive is a challenge we'd like to see met the world over. Indigenous people have known for some time that the world is out of balance. Our elders have warned us the resources of our world are finite. Our teachings tell us what the result will be if we abuse our earth and fellow beings. Perhaps now others will understand why our ancestors preserved our way of life and see the wisdom in their teachings.
Danetoh. (that is all)
Wendy Gonyea, Onondaga, works in the Onondaga Nation Communications Office of
the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, south of Syracuse, N.Y.