Chief Oren Lyons was born to a traditional family and grew up on the Onondaga and Seneca reservations in upstate New York. Never forgetting the traditional ways of life his family taught him, Chief Lyons went on to become a successful commercial artist before returning in 1970 to take up his responsibility as Chief and Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation. As Faithkeeper, Chief Oren is responsible for maintaining the customs and traditions of his people, while representing their message to the world community. A world renowned leader and visionary for peace, justice, and sovereignty, Chief Oren Lyons has worked with Indigenous Peoples around the world as well as the United Nations for recognition of Indigenous rights. He has addressed the UN General Assembly and other gatherings of world leaders, is a member of the advisory committee for the UN Environment Program, and continues to share the wisdom of the Haudenosaunee as a speaker, author, publisher, and board member of the Traditional Circle of Indian Elders and Youth as well as the Seventh Generation Fund for Indian Development.
