Mohawk Elder & Author Tom Porter with "And Grandma Said..."

"And Grandma Said . . . Iroquois Teachings as passed down through the oral tradition," is a collection about the extraordinary oral history and traditional teachings of the Haudenosaunee passed down through the generations. The book works its way through the major events embedded in Haudenosaunee oral history and ceremony, from the story of creation, to the beginnings of the clan system, to the four most sacred rituals, to the beginnings of democracy, brought to his people by the prophet and statesman his people refer to as the Peacemaker. 

Raised in the home of his grandmother who spoke only Mohawk, Tom Porter was asked from a young age to translate for his elders. After such intensive exposure to his grandparents' generation, he is able to recall in vivid detail, the stories and ceremonies of his culture. After devoting most of his adult life to revitalizing the culture and language of his people, Tom finally records here, the teachings of a generation of elders who have been gone for more than 20 years.

Tom has been the founder, spokesperson and spiritual leader of the Mohawk Community of Kanatsiohareke (Ga na jo ha lay gay) located in the Mohawk Valley near Fonda, New York, since 1993. He is a member of the Bear Clan of the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne. He currently works as the Native American consultant for the NYS Penitentiary System and as Chaplain for all of the Native inmates in the NYS Penal System. He travels all over the state to meet with Native inmates, where he confers with them, teaches and helps them conduct traditional ceremonies.