ARTIST BIO

Howard Lyons is a member of the Mohawk Wolf Clan of the Haudenosaunee, most commonly known as the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy. Howard’s Mohawk and Clan name is Tahakierente which means “He was first doing something”. This award winning singer, composer and musician, extends a warm invitation and welcomes his listening audience to sing ancient songs of his people. Discover and experience the ancient ways of the Iroquois people as Howard Lyons brings it all to life.

Lyons speaks to the students, teachers and parents (constantly using his native language in the dialog and translating for his audience) about rich culture and a living history of the Haudenosaunee. He high lights the fact that the Five Nations was the first United Nations of North America. That this league of nations had a direct influence on the drafting of the United States Constitution when Thomas Jefferson used principals of the Great Law of the Haudenosaunee and incorporated the democratic policies of the Iroquois Confederacy while drafting the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. Howard explains and supports how both constitutions were established on a firm foundation of peace, harmony and respect for all living things which also reminds us that all people are equal. He also speaks of today’s traditions and stresses that we are all responsible for the future and care of Mother Earth and that the prosperity of the future generations lies in our decision making. Howard will perform some of his award wining compositions and will ask for student and teacher participation. The students are asked to come on stage to shake the rattles and use other traditional instruments such as the hand drum, water drum, deer toe rattle, horn rattle, and gourds.

Lyons introduces and teaches the principals of the various animal clans and lets the children experience the tradition for themselves by dividing them up into clans groups. He then names each clan and explains the power and responsibility of their given clan. He repeatedly chooses two people from each clan to come forward and play the traditional percussions.

The students, teachers and parents leave with a better understanding and a real appreciation for our living culture and the real history of today’s Native American. Howard takes great of pride in filling in the gaps of history for the students and teachers that they would not normally receive from reading academic text or viewing movies. Many people have said that the exchange of information has allowed them to view, understand and appreciate Native American people with much more respect and understanding.

Howard Lyons conducts up to 14 presentations a week for people of all ages. His main objective is to introduce and spread the good message of peace and respect for life.

Howard Lyons offers a list of additional reference material that offers more accurate information for young students and adults to explore.

Howard Lyons, Native American Musician, Storyteller

A gifted musician, storyteller and performer, Lyons provides youths and adults with a wonderful presentation of music, drumming, storytelling and Native artifacts. A Grammy Award finalist and three time NAMMY Nominee, Lyons provides an exciting history lesson of the Six Nations and explains how their “Great Law of Peace” was used as a foundation for U.S. democracy. Lyons explains and demonstrates traditional and contemporary instruments and invites the audience to participate in performing songs of old & his own award winning compositions.

AWARDS:
2004 nominee for the NH Governor’s award for Excellence in arts and Education.
Three time Native American Music Awards for Best Folk Recording, Album of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.
New York State Foundation on the Arts for Best Singer, Songwriter and Composer
2004 Nominee for Best Pop Recording at the Indian Summer Music Awards.

Email: hlyonsvt@yahoo.com
www.howardlyons.net