Celebrating Cultural Continuity

Author: McKenna Austin

Field of Study: Anthropology

Program Affiliation: Library Research Scholars

Faculty Mentors: Benjamin Andrus

Easel: 29

Timeslot: Midday

Abstract: Inspired by the involvement of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy in Binghamton University’s curriculum, this research examines the Haudenosaunee Festival at the university as a case study in how institutions of higher education can foster cultural continuity through sustained, reciprocal partnerships with Indigenous communities. Drawing on observational analysis of festival activities, review of visual and physical materials, engagement with community narratives, and review of academic literature on cultural continuity, the study investigates how the annual gathering functions as both a cultural celebration and an educational framework within a university setting. Dance, storytelling, artistry, and symbolism are not presented solely as performances, but as practices that communicate values, histories, and relationships to land. These findings contribute to broader conversations about the responsibilities of higher education in supporting Indigenous visibility, knowledge, and community-engaged scholarship.