The Canandaigua Treaty Committee was established during 1984 in order to promote and perpetuate the Great Peace Treaty of 1794. The goal of the Committee is to effect a wider knowledge of this important document and to help secure public interest and participation in this historic event. The Canandaigua (or Pickering) Treaty was signed by the Chiefs of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and representatives of the United States government on November 11,1794

Two wampum belts have been chosen by the Committee for their letterhead. The George Washington Covenant Belt shows thirteen large figures of men representing the original thirteen states. Their hands are joined in friendship with the two center figures who are standing at each side of a house located in the center of the belt. The center figures represent the Mohawks (Keepers of the Eastern Door of the Confederacy of the Haudenosaunee) and the Seneca's (Keepers of the Western Door of the Confederacy of the Haudenosaunee). This belt commemorates the Treaty of Peace made during Washington's presidency. The Two-Row Wampum Belt commemorates an original treaty with the Dutch. The belt recognizes the sovereignty of the Haudenosaunee and the Europeans who came here. The two rows of dark wampum represent two paths or vessels traveling down the same river together. One vessel a canoe, represents the Haudenosaunee, their laws, their customs and their ways. The other vessel, a ship, represents the white people, their laws, their customs, and their ways. Each travels the river together, side by side, but in their own boats. Neither will make compulsory laws or interfere in the internal affairs of the other. Neither will try to steer the others vessel. These roads are divided by a field of white wampum signifying peace between the two parties. The three rows of white wampum represent peace and friendship forever. Each time the obligations of the treaty are renewed another row is symbolically added to the belt.

The Committee's motto, "brighten the chain of friendship" is taken from the condolence speech given by Red Jacket at the grave of General Israel Chapin, an official agent of the United States government and trusted friend of the Indian people. General Chapin, at the direction of George Washington, had summoned the Canandaigua Council which led to the final treaty and he was instrumental in its successful completion. He died a few months after the signing and is buried within sight of the signing place near the Council Rock in Canandaigua, New York.

Schedule of Events on November 11th

10:30 AM
WELCOME

1:30 PM
PARADE

The Parade leaves school parking lot and travels east on West Gibson Street to Main Street. Then south on Main Street To Ontario Street.

The Parade disperses at Council Rock in front of the Ontario County Court House. 

The ceremony includes the Thanksgiving Address, the Preamble to the Treaty, speakers from both sides of the Treaty, Placing of flowers on Council Rock, a memorial for past members and the blessing of the Tree. 

* This includes Photographs, Video and Audio Recording. 
Thank you for your cooperation.

4:30PM
DINNER

Return to the Primary/Elementary School for further presentations and craft vendor offerings. Enjoy a pot luck dinner with the Treaty Committee providing corn soup, buffalo stew, rolls, drinks and dessert. 
The committee requests that you bring your favorite dish to pass and your own table service.

6pm to 7pm
KEYNOTE SPEAKER

7PM to 9PM
SOCIAL
Featuring Native American, music, dance, craft vendors and friendship

Parking is available at the School with additional parking at St. Mary's Church