First Nations Media Network

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Seneca Nation Leads the Way with Landmark Purchase of NLL’s Rochester KnighthawksThe Seneca Nation has made history by a...
08/06/2025

Seneca Nation Leads the Way with Landmark Purchase of NLL’s Rochester Knighthawks

The Seneca Nation has made history by acquiring the Rochester Knighthawks through its business entity Seneca Holdings LLC, becoming the first Indigenous Nation to own a National Lacrosse League (NLL) franchise.

The acquisition represents more than just a business deal— it’s a symbolic and cultural homecoming for a sport that originated with the Haudenosaunee people and shared with the world.
The Seneca Nation, one of the six original nations in the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, has long carried the title of “Keeper of the Western Door,” a role symbolizing their responsibility to protect the western territories of the Confederacy. The purchase represents that enduring cultural connection.

“This is more than just a business decision—it’s a celebration of who we are,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca in the NLL’s official announcement. “Lacrosse is part of our culture, and Rochester is part of our ancestral home. The game was gifted to our ancestors by the Creator as a spiritual game and a game of healing, and our people shared lacrosse with the world. The Seneca Nation is thrilled to honor that legacy by keeping the Knighthawks in Rochester, where we look forward to building a bright future rooted in the team’s winning tradition.”

Founded in 1995, the Rochester Knighthawks quickly became an NLL powerhouse, winning five league championships, including three consecutive titles from 2012-2014. In 2019, when the original franchise relocated to Halifax, the NLL granted Rochester a new expansion team that retained the Knighthawks name, branding, and home at Blue Cross Arena. Since then, the team continues to grow, including multiple playoff appearances, and now entering a new era under the Seneca Nation.

While the NLL features many Indigenous players from across North America, none of the current Knighthawks roster are from the Seneca Nation. However, standout Seneca athletes like Zed Williams, Larson Sundown, Zach Miller, and Frank Brown have made meaningful contributions to the NLL— showcasing the deep connection the Haudenosaunee people have to lacrosse.

The acquisition is a first in professional lacrosse and a major step for Indigenous representation in the sports industry. This milestone celebrates the Seneca Nation’s rich heritage while also reinforcing their commitment to preserving and promoting the game on a professional stage— leading the way in honoring the past while inspiring future generations of players and fans alike.

Photo courtesy of the National Lacrosse League (NLL).

By Kassidy Jacobs, Journalist - First Nations Media Network
Edited by, Regan Jacobs, Executive Media Producer — First Nations Media Network

Early Morning Fire Destroys Kahnawà:ke Home; Peacekeepers Investigating Possible ArsonKAHNAWÀ:KE — An early morning fire...
08/04/2025

Early Morning Fire Destroys Kahnawà:ke Home; Peacekeepers Investigating Possible Arson

KAHNAWÀ:KE — An early morning fire on Sunday morning destroyed a historic home on Veterans Boulevard, reducing the structure to rubble and leaving behind what officials have declared a total loss.

The blaze was reported shortly after 5:00 a.m., prompting a swift response from the Kahnawà:ke Peacekeepers and the Kahnawà:ke Fire Brigade. Firefighters battled the flames for roughly 90 minutes before the structure was fully extinguished and later deemed unsafe, requiring demolition.

The home, built shortly after World War II, had stood for over 80 years, was communally owned by the Jacobs family and held significant historical and familial value. Originally constructed by Thomas and Thiwé:sa Jacobs, it became the gathering place for their four sons—Frankie, Louie, George, and Phillip—and generations of family that followed.

While no injuries were reported, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Kahnawà:ke Peacekeepers have not ruled out arson and are actively pursuing leads.

By: Kassidy Jacobs, Journalist - First Nations Media Network

An Akwesasne artist's sculpture celebrating Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) ironworkers won the top prize at his community's jur...
08/03/2025

An Akwesasne artist's sculpture celebrating Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) ironworkers won the top prize at his community's juried art show and market last weekend.

Karhatiron Perkins won Best in Show for his Lunch on a Highbeam sculpture, which is his take on a famous 1932 photo of 11 ironworkers having lunch on a beam 260 metres off the ground in New York City. “Growing up, I always thought those were all Mohawk men," said Perkins, about the famous photo.

In Perkins's bronze and metal cast piece there are nine ironworkers sitting on a beam in ribbon shirts representing the nine Haudenosaunee clans: turtle, wolf, bear, snipe, beaver, deer, hawk and heron. Instead of lunch boxes, they have bowls meant to represent a Kanienʼkehá:ka staple, corn soup.

Perkins comes from a family of ironworkers; his father and grandfather were in the trade.
"I wanted to do a piece just like highlighting the Native men who were ironworkers," said Perkins.

In the late 1950s, Kanienʼkehá:ka ironworkers made up about 15 per cent of New York's ironworkers and had a hand in the construction of many iconic buildings like the Rockefeller Center, Empire State building and Chrysler building.

There are believed to be three ironworkers from Kahnawà:ke, a Kanienʼkehá:ka community near Montreal, in Lunch atop a Skyscraper, according to community members. The men are thought to be Peter Skaronhiati Stacey, Joseph Jocks and Peter Sakaronhiotane Rice.

All artists from Akwesasne

The Akwesasne art market and juried art show, which took place July 25-26 in the community straddling the Ontario, Quebec and New York state borders, was hosted by Akwesasne Travel and gives out a grand prize of $2,500 US (about $3,400 Cdn.)

This year there were 44 artists who displayed work in the show, said Randi Barreiro, a marketing specialist for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Office of Economic Development and works with Akwesasne Travel. “This year's Best in Show was just a phenomenal piece," said Barreiro.

I'm a daughter and a granddaughter of ironworkers so I immediately could recognize his inspiration." All of the participants in the show were from Akwesasne. “It's really a spotlight of the talent that we have here in the community," said Barreiro.

Cultural elements

Perkins is a recent graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, N.M. and made the sculpture for a class. This was the first time he had submitted to an art competition.
"It felt unreal; I didn't really believe it," said Perkins about winning the show.

Perkins is a multi-disciplinary artist in drawing, painting, ceramics, and making digital art. Right now he is busy selling his work at markets.

"Most of my art that I make has to do with cultural elements," said Perkins.

"I mainly create to empower people to practise their culture and be interested in it." Perkins said he would love to see the sculpture one day in a museum or on display at a community building.
(Source: CBC News)

A stolen $200,000 Caterpillar loader from St. Lawrence County has been recovered—on the other side of the border.The mac...
08/02/2025

A stolen $200,000 Caterpillar loader from St. Lawrence County has been recovered—on the other side of the border.

The machine vanished from a County Route 37 construction site in Brasher on July 24 and was reported missing four days later. Investigators say it wasn’t towed—it was driven into Canada without clearing customs.

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service found the loader outside a private home in Snye, Quebec, part of the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory that is situated along the U.S.-Canada border. There’s no port of entry from the U.S. into Snye.

The loader is now back with the county highway department, but the investigation continues.

Anyone with information should call the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office at 315-379-2222, reference case -07016.
(Source: wwnytv)

07/30/2025

🔥 Creativity. Culture. Community.
Akwesasne’s annual ‘Art Market’ brought together incredible Indigenous talent and tradition! From stunning beadwork and bold carvings to vibrant paintings and one of a kind fashion, artists showcased the beauty and strength of Haudenosaunee culture in every detail.

Watch the highlights and feel the energy of this powerful celebration!

HUNTERS HEADED TO THE FINALS! 🔥Congratulations to the Kahnawake Junior B Hunters in capturing the Eastern Conference Cha...
07/24/2025

HUNTERS HEADED TO THE FINALS! 🔥

Congratulations to the Kahnawake Junior B Hunters in capturing the Eastern Conference Championship win! After three intense rounds against the Akwesasne Thunder, every game came down to the wire and kept fans on the edge of their seats.

It’s always special when our sister communities face off—hard-fought battles on the floor, deep respect off it. These games remind us why lacrosse is more than a sport—it’s part of who we are.

Now, the Hunters are Ontario-bound for the Finals! Let’s keep the energy high and show our support as they fight for the title. 🥍💪

📸 Kahnáwake Jr B Hunters

Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke Outlines Next Steps for Cannabis Retail Following MoratoriumKAHNAWÀ:KE – The Mohawk Council...
07/23/2025

Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke Outlines Next Steps for Cannabis Retail Following Moratorium

KAHNAWÀ:KE – The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke has announced their next move in establishing a tightly regulated cannabis market designed to prioritize community safety, limit outside influence, and ensure financial benefits directly support local programs—a strategy that sets the community apart from other territories where cannabis remains largely unregulated.

The statement follows a 45-day moratorium on cannabis retail sales, issued on June 12, 2025, and set to end this Friday, July 25. The moratorium aimed to address renewed opposition from youth, traditional Longhouse groups, and other residents who expressed concerns over public safety and community impact. The Council stated the pause would allow time to reassess licensing plans, strengthen safeguards, and ensure any regulated cannabis industry reflects the will and well-being of the community.

“We understand the frustration and concerns that many in the community are feeling regarding the implementation of a regulated cannabis industry within our Territory. Our top priority has always been, and continues to be, the health, safety, and well-being of our People,” stated the MCK.

Under the new regulations, only three cannabis dispensaries will be permitted in Kahnawà:ke, each located outside the village core and no closer than 300 meters from schools, residences, or public spaces. On-site consumption is strictly prohibited, and promotional signage will not be allowed. Each location must employ a trained security guard, and all staff will be required to pass thorough criminal background checks and complete specialized training before employment.

A portion of all revenue from licensed dispensaries will be directed to the Kahnawà:ke Social and Economic Development Fund. This includes quarterly royalties from non-Indigenous customers, ensuring that economic benefits serve the entire community rather than private business interests.

Drawing lessons from neighboring communities such as Kanehsatake and Akwesasne—which have faced challenges related to unregulated cannabis sales—the Mohawk Council emphasized that its regulatory approach is designed to avoid similar negative impacts.

“The introduction of a regulated market in Kahnawà:ke is a stark contrast to what we see on social media from other territories,” said the MCK’s statement. “We would caution against comparing unregulated distribution and sale of unlicensed products to the public with strictly regulated distribution and sale of licensed, safe products under our Law.”

Many Kahnawa’kehró:non, however, remain concerned that allowing cannabis sales—regulated or not—could set a precedent for further commercialization of substances or industries that may conflict with traditional values and long-term community health. Underlying some of the opposition is a broader mistrust in the Council’s decision-making process, with some residents believing the Council is prioritizing economic gain over cultural preservation and grassroots consensus.

With two days remaining in the moratorium, the Council says it welcomes continued dialogue with all Kahnawa’kehró:non as the cannabis framework evolves, stressing that safety, respect, and accountability will remain guiding principles in future decisions.

For more details on the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke’s cannabis framework, read the full open letter https://kahnawake.com/mohawk-council-ratitsenhaienhs-issue-open-letter-regarding-proposed-cannabis-retail-permits/

By Kassidy Jacobs, Journalist – First Nations Media

Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke Joins Global Indigenous Leaders at United Nations ConferenceKAHNAWÀ:KE-  Chiefs from the Mo...
07/23/2025

Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke Joins Global Indigenous Leaders at United Nations Conference

KAHNAWÀ:KE- Chiefs from the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) joined Indigenous leaders from around the world this week at the United Nations in Geneva for the annual Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) session.

Council Chiefs Melanie Morrison(Heritage) and Tonya Perron(Justice/Governance) are representing the MCK at the international gathering, which was held till Friday, July 18.

“The purpose of the MCK delegation’s participation in the 2025 EMRIP’s 18th session in Geneva was to better understand UN processes and build connections to strengthen how we present our issues at an international forum,” said Chief Morrison.

EMRIP is a human rights body that provides advice and research to the United Nations Human Rights Council on issues affecting Indigenous peoples worldwide. Established in 2007, the mechanism holds annual sessions in Geneva, where Indigenous leaders, state representatives, and experts gather to discuss the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

“Participating in EMRIP brings attention to the lack of action of Canada and its provinces to enact the full UNDRIP,” said Morrison, “Participation in global forums helps us to protect against Quebec’s language laws (article 14) and advance our rights of self-determination, which includes developing and establishing our own justice system.”

During the session, the Chiefs met with Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot of EMRIP to raise concerns about Bill C-5, the legal framework of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), and Indigenous rights under UNDRIP. They also attended a briefing hosted by Canada’s UN Ambassador, H.E. Peter MacDougall, discussing Indigenous participation at the Human Rights Council, FPIC implementation, and funding challenges for Indigenous mechanisms.

“It is clear that we are not alone in this struggle, many Indigenous Peoples across the world are also experiencing a lack of meaningful implementation of UNDRIP,” Morrison expressed.

Kahnawà:ke has long been active in global Indigenous affairs and continues to press for international support of First Nations jurisdiction in Canada.

By Kassidy Jacobs, Journalist - First Nations Media
Edited by Regan Jacobs, Executive Media Producer

07/21/2025

FINAL

Game 3 is July 23rd in Kahnawake

07/18/2025

Sken:nen Tsi Aiethiiehiaronhseke—which translates to “For us to raise our children peacefully”—blends traditional teachings with modern healthcare services to support the well-being of both mothers and their babies.

To help bring this new initiative to life, Kahnawà:ke Collective Impact has partnered with Konwati’shatstenhsherawis, Helping Hands, and Kahnawà:ke Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services (KSCS).

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