Traditional Arts in Upstate New York. Traditional Arts of Upstate New York
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Canton, NY 13617
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Religion & Ethnicity


 
National origins and religious affiliations are often tied closely together and the North Country’s experience is no exception. And there is more diversity of backgrounds in the region than one might expect. Protestants from New England and the British Isles and Roman Catholics from Quebec and Europe are most common, but there also European Jews, and Asians and Africans with various religious traditions. Some Native Americans follow ancient longhouse practices, others are Christian. Spiritual and secular customs may differ quite a bit from one group to another, but they are still preserved in families, neighborhoods and houses of worship scattered through the region.

Each of the following individuals and groups has been selected by TAUNY as exemplary masters of the traditional art or practice listed with their names. Click on the names of each to link to short profiles of them and their achievements and their photograph from the TAUNY North Country Wall of Fame.


Adirondack Mennonite Camping Association (1995)
Lowville, Lewis County
Beaver Camp Quilt Auction

Akwesasne Basket Makers (1994)
Akwesasne
Mohawk Ash Splint & Sweetgrass Basket Makers

Akwesasne Women Singers (2014)
Akwesasne
Traditional Mohawk Music

Henry Jake Arquette (2003)
Akwesasne
Mohawk Ash Splint Work Basket Maker

Beth Joseph Synagogue (2001)
Tupper Lake, Franklin County   
Traditional Jewish Religious Customs

Catherine Charron (2001)
Whitehall,  Washington County
French American Storyteller

Ray Fadden (1993) 
Onchiota, Franklin County
Iroquois Elder & Orator

Island Chapel (2014)
Upper Saranac Lake
Interdenominational Services

William Loran (2008)
Akwesasne
Beadworker & Traditional Regalia Maker

 		 Cecilia Mitchell (2000)
Akwesasne
Traditional Herbalist & Medicine Woman

Mohawk Choir of St. Regis Catholic Church (1998)
Akwesasne
Mohawk Language & Traditional Hymn Singers

La Famille Ouimet (1994)
Valley Falls, Washington County
French American Musicians and Rug Weavers 

Polish American Citizens Club of Lewis County (2014)
Glenfield
Polka Dances
 
Chief Tom Porter (2006)
Kanatsuihareke, Montgomery County
Mohawk Orator

St. Anthony's Church Altar and Rosary Society (1996)
Watertown, Jefferson County
Italian Religious & Domestic Traditions

St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church (2006)
Watertown, Jefferson County
Traditional Pastry Makers

Veronica Terrillion (1993)
Indian River, Lewis County
Concrete Sculptor and Personal Environment Builder






Photos: Men of the Italian-American Association in Massena serving Thursday night dinner; St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church in Watertown; Beth Joseph Synagogue, Tupper Lake.

Note: All images, text and other material found in this website © 2858 TAUNY. All rights reserved.