Tickets
General Ticket: $20
Members: $15
“If our time on earth is to endure, we must love the earth in the strong, unsentimental way of traditional peoples, not seeking to exploit but to live in balance with the natural world.”
— Peter Matthiessen, from Indian Country
We are honored to welcome Chief Oren Lyons and Shane “Bizhiki Nibauit” Weeks as the inaugural speakers for The Matthiessen Talks, a new collaborative series dedicated to exploring the profound relationships between humanity and nature. This series, inspired by the legacy of the late Peter Matthiessen — author, explorer, naturalist, and Zen Roshi — aims to bring together voices who share his commitment to environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and spiritual harmony.
Chief Oren Lyons and Shane Weeks will each share brief presentations before engaging in a thought-provoking dialogue about generational perspectives, shared values, and the wisdom passed down through their respective cultures. They will later be joined by Rex Lyons, son of Chief Oren Lyons, who will serve as a bridge between the two generations. The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A, moderated by Alex Matthiessen.
After the event, attendees are invited to a reception in The Church’s studio level, where they will have the opportunity to engage with the speakers in a more intimate setting. We invite you to be part of this inspiring afternoon of wisdom, reflection, and meaningful dialogue as we explore pathways toward a more harmonious world.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
CHIEF OREN LYONS
Photo courtesy Bioneers Conference
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Chief Oren Lyons, a Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan who serves as a Member Chief of the Onondaga Council of Chiefs and the Grand Council of the Iroquois Confederacy (the Haudenosaunee peoples), is an accomplished artist, social and environmental activist, and author; a Professor Emeritus at SUNY Buffalo; a leading voice at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Human Rights for Indigenous Peoples; and the recipient of many prestigious national and international prizes including the U.N. NGO World Peace Prize. Oren also serves on the boards of several major nonprofit organizations and social enterprises; is founder and principal of One Bowl Productions, a purpose-driven film and television production company; and is an All-American Lacrosse Hall of Famer and Honorary Chairman of the Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse Team.
SHANE “BIZHIKI NIBAUIT” WEEKS
Photo by Jeremy Dennis
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Shane Weeks is a member of the Shinnecock Nation of Southampton, New York. Shane’s traditional name is “Bizhiki Nibauit,” which means Standing Buffalo. He is also from the Buffalo Clan. Shane is dedicated to his community and represents his people in a number of capacities. He is also owner of Ohke Creations. As an author, traditional singer and dancer, cultural consultant, artist, and a member of several boards and committees. In 2023 Shane was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Award by HRM Queen Angelique Monet of the Eti-Oni Lands of Nigeria and founder of the New Generation In Action organization. Shane’s mission is to bridge the gap between his community of Shinnecock, the local community, and communities abroad.
REX LYONS
Photo courtesy Bioneers Conference
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Rex Lyons (Deho Wih Da Dih: “He Gets the Message Through”), Onondaga Nation Citizen, Eel Clan, a former world-class lacrosse player and coach with the Haudenosaunee Nationals and Rochester Knighthawks, currently sits on the board of the Haudenosaunee Nationals. A business consultant and retired tradesman, Rex is also an accomplished vocalist and guitarist and current President of the New York State Blues Festival. His most recent endeavor is co-creating a 501(c)(3) for the Haudenosaunee Nationals Lacrosse Organization.
ABOUT
THE PETER MATTHIESSEN CENTER
The mission of the Peter Matthiessen Center (P.M.C.) is to preserve and expand on the late author’s legacy in promoting social justice, environmental preservation, and spiritual exploration. Building on the life’s work of one of the country’s most distinguished writers and naturalists, the P.M.C. seeks to provide a collaborative forum for writers, thinkers, and activists in pursuit of innovative solutions to heal our imperiled planet. To honor Peter Matthiessen’s prodigious contributions to literature, his advocacy for the natural world and Indigenous peoples as well as to American Zen during five decades on the East End of Long Island, the center strives to create thoughtful programming, inspiring generations to come.