976 Davis Road: The Heart of Kanata Karonhià:ke
Head, Hand, Heart.
East Aurora, NY, is a historic and culturally rich village that embodies the spirit of craftsmanship, community, and connection—making it the ideal location for Kanata Karonhià:ke (Sky World Village). This area is not only steeped in history as the home of the Roycroft Movement, but it is also Haudenosaunee territory, resonating deeply with our mission of rematriation and land stewardship.
The Roycroft Movement, founded by Elbert Hubbard in the late 19th century, brought together a community of artisans inspired by the Arts and Crafts philosophy. Hubbard believed in "working with the head, hand, and heart" to create meaningful, joyful work. Roycroft craftsmen—printers, furniture makers, metalsmiths, and bookbinders—practiced this approach, making East Aurora a beacon of creativity and intentional living. This legacy of thoughtful craftsmanship aligns beautifully with our vision of building an eco-village that honors creativity, community, and sustainability.
Additionally, as Mohawk people and members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, returning to this land is an act of rematriation. We are stepping into our roles as caretakers of this territory, preserving its history and its future. At a time when developers are eyeing 976 Davis Road to remove it from farmland production and build unsustainable housing, our project is a direct response to this looming threat. We intend to protect this land, ensuring it remains productive farmland while building eco-friendly, low-impact homes that respect the environment and the community.
Western New York’s food system also tells a story of stark inequality. The area’s long-standing food apartheid disproportionately affects BIPOC communities, leaving many without access to fresh, healthy, and culturally appropriate food. The 2022 mass shooting at Tops Markets in Buffalo tragically highlighted the fragility of food access in our communities and catalyzed a movement of food justice activists like myself. This work has sparked "for us, by us" solutions, where we prioritize sovereignty over our food systems to ensure no one in our community goes hungry. Sky World Village will expand on this movement by growing fresh, traditional foods while redistributing them through culturally informed food sovereignty programs.
The property’s location in East Aurora, with its proximity to burgeoning arts communities in West Falls and the larger urban resources of Buffalo, is ideal for creating a community hub. West Falls, just one town over, is quickly becoming a center for the arts, attracting creatives and craftspeople who seek collaboration and connection. Meanwhile, Buffalo, a short drive away, provides access to broader markets, partnerships, and resources to support food justice and sustainability initiatives.
With 76.5 acres of wooded land, a natural stream, and a historic barn, 976 Davis Road offers the perfect foundation for Kanata Karonhià:ke to thrive. Our mission to preserve the farmland, protect the natural environment, and cultivate sustainable, community-centered living ensures that this land will remain a vital resource for generations to come. By establishing Sky World Village here, we honor the legacy of the Roycroft artisans, the traditions of the Haudenosaunee, and the urgent need for equitable food systems in Western New York. This is not just a place to live—it’s a commitment to land stewardship, cultural revitalization, and a future rooted in justice and care.