Exploring Mysteries Of Native American Stone Prayers In Shappekwa

CHAPPAQUA, NY — The Preserve Buttonhook group will give us a chance to learn more about Chappaqua's Native American cultural heritage from an expert.

Native American researcher, Nohham R. Cachat-Schilling will share a special presentation on Thursday, "Native American Stone Prayers in Shappekwa: Preserving Endangered Sacred Heritage in a Critical Habitat." He will offer a Native American perspective on the importance and significance of the Chappaqua Central School District Buttonhook site located in the Valley Ridge area of Chappaqua.

Cachat-Schilling (Mohawk-Nashawe two spirit), M.S., is Medicine Elder for Bridge in the Sky Medicine Circle and Chair of the Massachusetts Ethical Archaeology Society. Nohham's research centers on indigenous ethnobotany and sacred archaeology of the Northeast.

The presentation is hosted by the Preserve Buttonhook group, which is organizing efforts to raise funds to preserve the "Buttonhook" environmentally important and historic land in Chappaqua. The property is currently slated for residential development by the Chappaqua Central School District.

SEE ALSO: Chappaqua School Board To Sell Land

Native American sacred ceremonial stone landscapes have been identified on two adjacent properties and in the Buttonhook forest, according to the activists who say protecting these rare structures will preserve this vital history and be a big step towards reparations to the First Nations.

The group hopes to raise $2.3 million to "provide the school district with a healthier alternate to development."

The presentation will be available virtually as a Zoom event scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on Jan. 27. Registration is required for the free online event.

Learn more information about the group and its efforts in the community at the Preserve Buttonhook website.