Oren Lyons

As Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation, Oren is responsible for passing on and interpreting his people’s ceremonial ways and upholding the Haudenosaunee culture. Their confederation is the oldest living participatory democracy in the world. 

He oversees the spiritual well-being of the Onondaga community. Their well-being is intimately connected to the natural world, a value system that is radically different from Western European colonizers.

Because of their profound spiritual relationship with, and respect for, Mother Earth, they are acutely aware of and deeply concerned by the accelerated degradation of our natural world – their relatives. 

For decades they have been urging world leaders to take heed of the perilous journey we are all on. 

They lend a voice for their natural relatives that have no voice. 

Oren was chosen to be a “Runner” to carry and deliver important messages

determined by the elders, clan Mothers, and the Council of Chiefs. 

Oren is an internationally renowned leader and visionary for peace, justice, and sovereignty – a tireless advocate for indigenous peoples around the world.