Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Native American Studies peace tree ceremony was a small, private event involving just six people. They met at the peace tree outside Martin Hall on Saturday, Nov. 7, during Native American Heritage Month. The gathering marked the 28th anniversary of the WVU peace tree, planted by Haudenosaunee (Iroquoian) leaders and commemorated annually by the University community with Native American keynote speakers from tribes throughout the U.S.
According to Native American Studies Program Coordinator Bonnie Brown, this year’s peace tree gathering was dedicated to honoring those who are suffering from or have died due to COVID-19. Ellesa Clay High, Department of English professor emerita and former Native American Studies program coordinator, organized the event. High led a group effort with her Preston County neighbors and friends to create a garland of nearly 500 tobacco ties in honor of those who had died in West Virginia as a result of COVID-19, reflecting the loss of life as of early November. State authorities now report the death toll at nearly 800.
The small, handmade ties contained a small bit of tobacco bundled in red fabric and tied with ribbon—many Native Americans regard tobacco as a sacred component of prayer and ritual. High also made a larger gold and blue tobacco bundle in tribute to individuals at WVU who are struggling due to the pandemic.
“As I put the memorial garland together, each tie touching another, I thought, ‘the spiritual does not have to social distance,’” High said. “It was such an honor, and it was very moving to create it.”
In the Media
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Peace Tree Ceremony honors COVID-19 losses in West Virginia
12/07/2020, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences -
Peace Tree ceremony honors COVID-19 losses in West Virginia
12/18/2020, Preston County News and Journal