“Portraits in Faith” is a section dedicated to highlighting the lives and legacies of individuals who champion interfaith dialogue, religious freedom, and global peace.
In the quiet forests of upstate New York, where the wind rustles through ancient trees and the land holds stories older than memory, Chef Oren Lyons walks with the steady grace of a man who knows his place in the world. As Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation, Lyons has spent his life weaving together threads of tradition, activism, and interfaith dialogue, creating a tapestry of hope and resilience for Indigenous peoples and the planet.
Roots in the Longhouse
Born in 1930, Lyons was raised in the traditions of the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois Confederacy, a union of six nations bound by the Great Law of Peace. His early years were steeped in the rhythms of community life, where stories, ceremonies, and the natural world formed the foundation of understanding. These formative experiences instilled in him a profound respect for the interconnectedness of all beings and the responsibilities that come with that awareness.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Lyons attended Syracuse University on a lacrosse scholarship, distinguishing himself as an All-American athlete. Yet, even as he excelled on the field, he remained deeply connected to his cultural heritage, viewing lacrosse not merely as a sport but as a sacred game with spiritual significance.
A Voice at the United Nations
Lyons’ commitment to justice led him beyond the borders of his community to the global stage. In the 1970s, he became a prominent figure in the Red Power movement, advocating for Indigenous rights and sovereignty. His eloquence and moral clarity caught the attention of international bodies, and in 1982, he helped establish the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations.
For over a decade, Lyons participated in UN meetings, tirelessly working to ensure that Indigenous voices were heard in discussions on human rights and environmental protection. His efforts culminated in a historic address to the UN General Assembly in 1992, where he opened the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing the need for a new partnership grounded in mutual respect and understanding.
Bridging Faiths and Cultures
Beyond his political activism, Oren Lyons has been a bridge between diverse spiritual traditions. He has engaged in dialogues with leaders from various faiths, including the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa, exploring common values and shared responsibilities. Through these interactions, Lyons has highlighted the universal principles of compassion, stewardship, and the sanctity of life that underpin many religious teachings.
His participation in interfaith conferences and organizations has fostered greater awareness of Indigenous spiritual perspectives, emphasizing the importance of harmony with nature and the recognition of all beings as relatives. Lyons’ contributions have enriched global conversations on ethics, ecology, and the role of spirituality in addressing contemporary challenges.
Oren Lyons: A Legacy of Wisdom
As a professor at the University at Buffalo, Lyons has mentored countless students, sharing insights drawn from his cultural heritage and personal experiences. His teachings emphasize the necessity of long-term thinking, urging individuals and societies to consider the impact of their actions on future generations. This principle, central to Haudenosaunee philosophy, calls for decisions to be made with the welfare of the seventh generation in mind.
Lyons’ writings, including contributions to works like “Exiled in the Land of the Free,” delve into the intersections of democracy, Indigenous governance, and environmental ethics. Through his scholarship, he challenges readers to reconsider dominant narratives and to recognize the value of Indigenous knowledge systems.
Continuing the Journey
Now in his nineties, Oren Lyons remains an active and revered figure, his voice resonating with clarity and conviction. He continues to advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples, the protection of the environment, and the cultivation of interfaith understanding. His life’s work stands as a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the enduring strength of cultural traditions. In October 2024, Lyons was honored with the Thomas Berry Award by the Thomas Berry Foundation and the Center for Earth Ethics. This award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of the Earth, highlighting Lyons’ lifelong commitment to Indigenous leadership and environmental activism.
In a world grappling with ecological crises and social divisions, Lyons offers a guiding light, reminding us that true progress requires honoring the wisdom of the past, embracing the diversity of the present, and committing to a future where all beings can thrive in balance and harmony.
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First published in this link of The European Times.
