Peace (Skén:nen)

The Two-Row Wampum, or Kaswentha, is an iconic representation of one of the earliest nation-to-nation relationships in North America, bridging Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. This wampum belt comprises hundreds of purple and white beads made from quahog and whelk shells intricately woven together, symbolizing the sacred equilibrium between people and their environment. 

The two solid purple lines signify the Dutch sailing ship and the Haudenosaunee canoe, travelling side by side without interference, thereby establishing enduring friendship and peace between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. The white rows, binding this non-interference, embody the principles of friendship, peace, and perpetuity, securing self-determination and sovereignty, along with inherent rights and freedoms for the citizens of both nations. 

As a binding living agreement endorsed by Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples, the Two-Row Wampum reflects the Indigenous Peoples' sincere intent to welcome newcomers to their lands while safeguarding the autonomy of the land and the laws of nature. Every bead serves as a testament to this agreement, constituting one of the earliest records rooted in social responsibility, advocating for the preservation of natural law, and demonstrating early notions of equity, diversity, and inclusive considerations.

This piece speaks for itself.  Both Brother Sun and Grandmother Moon are represented on the face, overlapping in support of each other. Grandmother Moon, in her overwhelming loving energy, is the base, while Brother Sun rises in front as a vital life force energy. 

Together, they teach the wisdom of the Two-Row Wampum as they work together, lighting up the skies and caring for us and everything on Earth. They stay on their own paths and shine bright in their own unique ways while understanding that the power of both is needed in harmony for the success of our planet.

Water flows down the middle along with beads, showing the parallel paths we take as Indigenous and European Peoples with equal space on both sides—trees, shelter, nature, water, sky, medicines, animals, etc.  We can walk alongside each other in peace with mutual respect for what each community of people brings to this lifetime.  

The white spots represent the stars; they remind us of the ancestors who were here before us and the ancestors who will come after us—so that we may take care of each other and this land in peace.