We petition New York State to embrace and facilitate this AMAZING opportunity and by doing so, achieve an historic (and critically missing) milestone in it’s otherwise inclusive social justice repertoire.  

This opportunity is in a tiny village but has implications that are relevant throughout the world.  We are so grateful for any support from beyond our community; support which strengthens our voice, helps shine a brighter light on this historic injustice and ensures our collective victory! 

Background:

Wells College, in the village of Aurora, on the shores of Cayuga Lake in Central New York, announced its closure effective end of Spring semester, 2024. 

One impending future for the campus, which stretches from the lakeshore up rolling hills, and includes 2 ravines and woods, is to be divided up and sold for development.  Those supportive of development would be continuing, without interruption, intentional acts of colonization of land stolen from the Cayuga people, since the 1779 scorched earth destruction of their village (on the exact site of Wells College & Aurora) by General Sullivan; a campaign ordered by General Washington during the American Revolution. 

Opportunity: 

Wells College closing 5 years before the 250th anniversary of the destruction of Chonodote, “Peach town”, is serendipitous.  We may not be able to travel back in time, but with this window of opportunity, we can make different choices today:

The vision we uphold is a future based in authentic and inclusive community and the power and potential of love, compassion and justice, made possible by giving every inch of the 365 acres of Wells College land back to the Traditional Cayuga Council of Chiefs, the Ten Cayuga Clan Families of the Haudenosaunee (people of the longhouse)

Voluntary Land Back is essential for New York State to openly acknowledge the painful truths of our past, move forward with an openness for accepting responsibilities and desire to choose the path of creating an integrated future by making space for healing to begin and valuing the importance of well-being for ALL people.

In addition to Land Back, we petition New York State to work together with the Haudenosaunee, in a cooperative and collaborative way, to re-open or transform Wells College, as an institute of higher education, as soon as possible.  The details of this educational phoenix rising from the ashes will take shape when the Cayuga are able to have a seat at the table and lead with their voices and visions.  

The place where Wells College stands is sacred to many.  In advocating for Land Back, we petition for the unprecedented unification between the first people’s of the land and an educational institute whose beloved symbol is Minerva, the Roman Goddess of Wisdom.

Let us head the truest wisdom, that which is grounded in our heart, and confidently join our voices to create our envisioned future!

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This petition is an ally-led endeavor to our elected government representatives, who hold the decision making power over Wells future.  Transparency & communications with the Traditional Cayuga Council of Chiefs, of these intentions and efforts, has existed since publication on May 2nd.  And we look forward to an official statement of support when it is time.  We welcome signatures of support from everyone and anyone.  

With the collaboration of Wells students and alumnae, a website has been built with more information on ways we can engage to ensure the creation of this vision.  
www.revitalizewells.org

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