All my relations
October 15th, 2009It’s with a sad heart that I write today about Norton. My sister made a documentary film about him and his family in “Tuscarora Corn: Ears of Our Forefathers” but he is also one of my dad’s cousins (maternal) and I think used to go moose hunting with my Poppa. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to say about his passing since I believe that Norton was a leader to our community in the area of farming, but also in family.
What I know about Norton and his family is that they are wonderful warm people who believe in family, tradition and preserving culture. As a traditional corn farmer he worked really hard at not only preserving the crops but also the recipes and family involvement that goes hand-in-hand with the growing. When I watched my sister’s film for the first time I was deeply touched but Norton’s message and also by the affection that he and his wife showed their family, especially their grandchildren.
My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of corn husking in their barn last fall – I haven’t seen their family since I was a small girl but we were welcomed warmly. Every was fed and watered and enjoyed the comradery of talking and sharing stories around a giant pile of corn.
It’s such a loss to our community that someone who continued to practice so many of our traditions has passed away but hopefully all the teachings he shared with us will live on in our hearts and minds and we will continue to hold dear the teachings from our ancestors, that Norton believed so strongly in.
My thoughts and prayers goes out to his family and friends and may he rest in peace.
All my relations,
Emily
