Yakowennahskats Media

02/04/2025

Literature Review: Confusing Compensation with Citizenship

The Indian Act of Canada, introduced in 1876, has sparked considerable controversy and discussion due to its restrictive and paternalistic nature. One notable provision, Section 141, prohibited Indigenous peoples from fundraising or hiring legal representation to pursue land claims until 1951. This regulation effectively marginalized Onkwehonwe's voices and obstructed the pursuit of justice regarding the loss of their ancestral territories.

This limitation excludes the Cayuga people, who sought compensation for their land losses. The Cayuga have a lengthy history of disputes over land with the government of New York. Despite the constraints imposed by Section 141, they managed to secure legal representation and challenge thee exclusion of Cayugas living at the Grand River

However, a critical question emerges: were the Cayuga aware that the attorneys advocating for their land claim were simultaneously asserting their status as British citizens? This inquiry is essential, as it delves into themes of identity, sovereignty, and the complicated dynamics between Onkwehonwe and colonial authorities.

While the arbitration text does not provide an apparent response to this question, the attached summary goes to great lengths to assume that the Cayuga, like numerous other Onkwehonwe, found themselves entangled in a complex network of legal and political strategies. While representing the Cayuga’s land rights, the attorneys may have inadvertently supported a colonial narrative by proclaiming the Cayuga's identity as British subjects.

This circumstance illustrates the intricacies and contradictions inherent in land claims. On the one hand, Onkwehonwe strives to acknowledge our ancestral rights and responsibilities; on the other, we must navigate legal and political frameworks that perpetuate colonial dominance and deny the existence of our fully functioning societies pre-contact.

The situation of the Cayuga people underscores one of the many challenges encountered by the Onkwehonwe people in their quest for land restitution.

Copy & paste
https://www.sfu.ca/~palys/CayugaIndiansVsUnitedStates1926.pdf

02/04/2025

Ohsweken- Here is a formal update regarding the recent fire at a beloved local restaurant!

01/31/2025

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Le processus de collaboration sur l'exclusion après la deuxième génération et les seuils de vote en vertu de l'article 10 est en cours.

Vous avez des questions sur l'exclusion après la deuxième génération? Voulez-vous en savoir plus sur les seuils de vote en vertu de l'article 10?

Inscrivez-vous à une séance d’information : https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/fra/1718206685805

01/31/2025

📜Project Glebe Land Archive Review- 🔍

We’ve taken a few days off but are back at it by publishing three important communications.

Of particular interest is this statement

“NEW DEEDS SIGNED SEALED RETURNED JUNE FIRST TO OUR CANADIAN SOLICITOR BREWESTER OF BRANTFORD.-NEW ENGLAND COMPANY”

Tell us what you think! if you have any archives that fit in between the dates, please feel free to post them. We know with utmost certainty that a good portion of this discussion took place without any Onkwehonwe input.

01/30/2025

Ohsweken—The Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ruled in favour of forming a labour union for the Six Nations Fire Department, sparking community controversy.

Critics argue that the CIRB may have overstepped its jurisdiction as the Indian Act does not explicitly provide for forming labour unions.

The Six Nations fire department, located on Canada's most populous First Nations reserve, has apparently been seeking to form a union to address issues. The non-members employed by the fire department would inherit rights over a community-first approach.

The CIRB's ruling was seen as a significant victory for union advocates. However, some legal watchdogs argue that the CIRB may not have the authority to make such a ruling.

They point out that the Indian Act, which governs many aspects of life on reserves, does not mention labour unions. This could mean that the CIRB's decision is outside its jurisdiction.

The controversy highlights the complex legal issues surrounding labour rights on reserves. The Indian Act does not explicitly mention labour unions or prohibit them.

This has led to a legal grey area, with some arguing that the absence of explicit prohibition means that labour unions are allowed. In contrast, others say that the lack of explicit permission means they are not.

The CIRB's ruling could set a precedent for other First Nations reserves across Canada. However, the decision is likely to be challenged in court, which could lead to a definitive legal ruling on the issue. Until then, the status of labour unions on reserves remains uncertain.

01/28/2025

Here are two more archives related to the Glebe Property that adjoins the Mohawk institute.

we’re taking a slow tour through some archivesin an attempt to capture an idea of what transpired during an effort to sell the land!

At this point, there isn’t a lot of input from the people themselves who own the land!

Let us know what you think or if you have anything to add feel free !

01/27/2025

Ohsweken- The shooting took place at a popular local restaurant “Burger Barn” on Saturday, which was later engulfed in flames on Monday morning.

The police were called to the scene on Saturday after reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found evidence of a shooting but no victims or suspects.

The restaurant, which was closed at the time of the shooting, was completely destroyed by the fire. Firefighters were called to the scene early Monday morning and were able to extinguish the flames, but not before the inside of the building was completely affected.

The Six Nations Police Service is currently investigating both incidents. They have not yet determined whether the shooting and the fire are connected, but they are not ruling out the possibility.

The police are asking anyone with information about either incident to come forward.

The Six Nations Police Service can be reached at their non-emergency number. Anyone with information can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.

01/27/2025

Ohsweken- A fire that broke out early this morning has resulted in extensive damage to The Burger Barn, a well-loved local restaurant.

While the cause of the blaze is still under investigation, some sources have suggested a potential link to vandalism involving a projectile weapon that occurred just two days earlier.

These reports have not been verified, and we are currently awaiting an official statement from the local peace keepers agency.

Photos: Submitted by B. Antone

01/27/2025

What a great way to start your Monday!!!

Every Monday we will share parts of the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen, follow along as we give thanks.

You can check out http://imohawk.ambe.ca and hear the opening address being read aloud. You can isolate the words you need to hear again and choose the speed of sound that suits you best. There are 2 levels. We will be posting the level 1 opening address. Use password skah123 to access the http://imohawk.ambe.ca/ website.

Niá:wen

01/27/2025

Would you believe that land attached to the Mohawk Institute referred to as the “Glebe” property was considered for sale several times.

We’re going to be revisiting the occasions through archives and first hand accounts.

(Historically Glebe is an area of land within an ecclesiastical parish used to support a parish or priest).

01/26/2025

Ohsweken- According to legal documents, there are two entities that are registered to the same location on a Canadian government website… If anyone could provide an explanation until we get a response from either entiry, we would love to hear it!

“Six Nations of the Grand River Band of Indians” and a “Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation”!

Who's who?

01/26/2025

Trump sure is unleashing something… Alaska at Risk

“Section 1. Background. The State of Alaska holds an abundant and largely untapped supply of natural resources including, among others, energy, mineral, timber, and seafood. Unlocking this bounty of natural wealth will raise the prosperity of our citizens while helping to enhance our Nation’s economic and national security for generations to come. By developing these resources to the fullest extent possible, we can help deliver price relief for Americans, create high-quality jobs for our citizens, ameliorate our trade imbalances, augment the Nation’s exercise of global energy dominance, and guard against foreign powers weaponizing energy supplies in theaters of geopolitical conflict.”

01/23/2025

Breaking News: a temporary reprieve against the President of the USA’s executive order. The order is only good for 14 days and it’s not known what will happen after that.

01/23/2025

Onkwehonwe, or Native Americans, may face exclusion from American citizenship, a contentious issue recently brought to the forefront by the Trump administration's Justice Department. Citing a 19th-century law, the department argues that the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" in the 14th Amendment suggests that simply being born in the United States does not guarantee an individual the rights of citizenship.

This interpretation, stemming from a historical context where Native Americans were specifically excluded from citizenship, has been defended with references to a Supreme Court case. The administration contends that this legal framework allows for the exclusion of Native Americans from birthright citizenship, a notion that is stirring significant debate.

Reactions among Native American communities are mixed. Some individuals express shock and disbelief at the prospect of being deemed ineligible for citizenship based on rules instituted in a bygone era. Conversely, others view this development as an opportunity to reconnect with and revitalize their hereditary systems of governance, effectively reclaiming a sense of sovereignty that predates colonization.

As the discussion evolves, the implications of this legal stance will reverberate throughout Native American communities and the broader discourse on citizenship and identity in the United States.

-Yakowennahskats

Story based on reports from US media

01/22/2025

January 22/2025

Ohsweken: Members of the Six Nations of the Grand River have voiced their dissatisfaction following the cancellation of numerous community engagement meetings and the announcement of a working group for a development proposed by Ballantry Homes, a topic that has been under consideration for at least a year.

The community consultation process seems to have been overlooked, raising concerns about the Elected Council’s lack of accountability.

While much of the information regarding the development has been withheld from the community, some residents have reported having seen plans that include the development’s location.

This secrecy has consistently been an issue and appears to be the source of the recent frustrations.

Can the Elected Council make these decisions autonomously, without community input? I believe not.

-Yakowennahskats