First Nations Media Network

First Nations Media Network Indigenous-owned multi-media since 2014. Covering stories from the Mohawk Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and across Turtle Island.

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Child Welfare Investigation Leads to Arrest Warrant in AkwesasneAKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police have is...
09/11/2025

Child Welfare Investigation Leads to Arrest Warrant in Akwesasne

AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police have issued a wanted poster for Autumn C. Mitchell, 30, who is facing 31 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The public notice, released on 9/11/25, describes Mitchell as 5’4” tall, with brown hair and brown eyes. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police at 518-358-9200. Police emphasized that individuals should not attempt to take action on their own, and tips should not be posted on social media.

Connection to Ongoing Investigation

This announcement comes as a follow-up to the ongoing investigation into allegations of abuse at the Tribe’s Early Learning Center’s Head Start Program. As reported by FNM in July, parents raised concerns about suspected mistreatment, which prompted a community meeting with Tribal leadership, the Education Department, and the Tribal Police.

Legal Context

In the United States, Endangering the Welfare of a Child is a charge that can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on circumstances:
• Misdemeanor charges can carry fines, probation, or up to one year in jail per count.
• Felony-level charges may result in longer prison sentences, in some jurisdictions up to seven years per count.
• Courts determine whether sentences run concurrently (together) or consecutively (back-to-back), which can greatly affect the outcome.

Authorities have not released additional details about the specific allegations leading to the 31 counts filed against Mitchell.

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police reiterated that child safety remains a top priority and encouraged community members to bring forward any information directly to law enforcement.

—FNTV Staff

Noah Snyder Remembered as Scholar, Athlete, and Haudenosaunee Lacrosse Player After Fatal CrashThe lacrosse world is mou...
09/07/2025

Noah Snyder Remembered as Scholar, Athlete, and Haudenosaunee Lacrosse Player After Fatal Crash

The lacrosse world is mourning the loss of Noah Snyder, a 20-year-old sophomore at Marquette University and proud Haudenosaunee lacrosse player from the Seneca Nation in New York, who was killed in a car crash Friday night in Milwaukee.

A statement was released by the Seneca Nation via Facebook — “The Seneca Nation wishes to extend our heartfelt condolences and support to the family, friends, and teammates of Noah Snyder. Our entire community mourns this loss with you. We are all heartbroken by this tragedy. We wish you a peaceful journey Noah as you travel to be with the Creator in the Spirit World.”

Police said a driver struck a vehicle carrying six passengers near the intersection of North 27th Street and West St. Paul Avenue. Snyder and fellow student-athlete Scott Michaud died at the scene. The 41-year-old driver was taken into custody, and the investigation is ongoing.

At Marquette, Snyder was more than a standout on the field. A business major in the College of Business Administration, he balanced academics with athletics, earning recognition on the BIG EAST All-Academic Team for maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In the 2025 season, he appeared in 13 of the team’s 14 games, recording nine goals and seven assists.

But his identity extended far beyond campus. Snyder proudly carried the traditions of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, representing his people on the international stage as a member of the Haudenosaunee Nationals U20 team. In that role, he honored the game known as the “Creator’s Game,” a sport that has spiritual and cultural meaning stretching back centuries.

The Haudenosaunee Nationals released a statement honoring Snyder, saying he represented the values and traditions of his people “with grace and dignity.”

Closer to home, Snyder was remembered for his roots in Western New York lacrosse. A former player for the Jr. Bandits, the program called him “always part of our family,” praising his kindness and passion for the sport.

Marquette University also released a statement:

“The two students were Noah Snyder and Scott Michaud, both student-athletes on the lacrosse team. Both Noah and Scott were strong students, being named to the BIG EAST All-Academic Team at Marquette for maintaining a 3.0 grade point average.”

For those who knew him, Snyder’s life embodied a balance of dedication—to his studies, his teammates, and the Haudenosaunee heritage that gave meaning to the game he loved. His loss is deeply felt not only by his family and community, but by the wider lacrosse family and relatives across Turtle Island.

— FNTV

Snake Island Muskies Capture the President’s Cup!Whitby, ON — August 30, 2025 — History has been made! The Snake Island ...
08/31/2025

Snake Island Muskies Capture the President’s Cup!

Whitby, ON — August 30, 2025 — History has been made! The Snake Island Muskies are officially the 2025 President’s Cup Champions, defeating the Brooklin Merchants in a commanding 11–5 victory tonight.

After a week of intense competition, the Muskies capped off their undefeated run with grit, speed, and unstoppable teamwork. From nail-biting comebacks to dominant wins, they proved why they are one of the toughest Senior B teams in the country.

This marks the first-ever President’s Cup national title for Snake Island — a victory that will be remembered for years to come in Akwesasne and across Turtle Island.

Congratulations, Snake Island Muskies — national champions at last!

— FNTV Staff

Opioid Settlement Funds— From the Courtroom to the Community as Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe looks to Akwesasne for Solution...
08/30/2025

Opioid Settlement Funds— From the Courtroom to the Community as Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe looks to Akwesasne for Solutions

The opioid epidemic has touched nearly every family in Akwesasne, leaving behind health struggles, child welfare cases, and lasting impacts on community safety. Now, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is opening the door for local non-profits to help turn that painful history into pathways for healing.

According to a release issued by the Tribe, the Council announced it is now accepting proposals for Fiscal Year 2026 Tribal Opioid Settlement funds, which are reserved for programs that not only address the epidemic but also explore solutions that are rooted in Mohawk culture.

The funds come from national settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors, following the Tribe’s lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in December 2018. The complaint argued the companies carried out “a scheme to make individuals believe that prescription opioids were safe, non-addictive, and could be used without long-term effects.” The alleged deception fueled an epidemic that “ravaged tribal communities,” the Tribe said.

For Akwesasne, that meant more than statistics — it meant seeing firsthand the toll on families. In response, the Tribe says it has built strategies to keep opioids away from youth, expanded community education, and supported prevention and recovery initiatives.

Since 2023, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has received $1,800,730.87 in settlement funds, with additional distributions expected annually until 2037. According to the Council, “in accordance with settlement terms, the funds received shall support programs on an approved list of abatement strategies; and also, for culturally appropriate activities that are aimed at remediating the opioid epidemic’s impact on the Akwesasne community.”

The Council also emphasized that “the terms recognize that tribal communities possess unique cultural practices that play an important role in the health and wellbeing of tribal members.”

To be eligible for funding, organizations must agree to conditions such as submitting annual reports, maintaining financial records, acknowledging the Tribe’s support, and sharing progress directly with Tribal members at Monthly Meetings.

Proposals for the 2026 funding year (January 1–December 31, 2026) are due by September 30, 2025.

By: Regan Jacobs, Executive Media Producer — First Nations Media.

(Photo Credit: Cornwall Standard Freeholder - archived photo from the Grand opening of SRMT Community Services Building)

AKWESASNE — The community came together Saturday afternoon at the A’nowara’kó:wa Arena to mark three decades of memories...
08/29/2025

AKWESASNE — The community came together Saturday afternoon at the A’nowara’kó:wa Arena to mark three decades of memories, milestones, and moments that have defined this cornerstone of Akwesasne life.

The 30th-anniversary celebration was both festive and heartfelt. Indoors, dignitaries, athletes, and families gathered for a formal ceremony. Outdoors, the grounds were alive with carnival games, athletic competitions, and children’s laughter—fitting tributes to a facility that has long brought people together.

“It’s been an amazing 30 years,” said master of ceremonies and Akwesasne Lacrosse Hall of Fame member Peter Garrow. “This arena has been a gem for lacrosse and hockey in this area.”

Known affectionately as the Turtle Dome, the 3,000-seat multi-purpose arena has hosted everything from lacrosse and hockey to powwows, concerts, skate nights, and even professional teams. The Akwesasne Warriors of the Federal Hockey League called the arena home from 2010–12, while box lacrosse legend John Tavares once thrilled crowds here playing with the Akwesasne Thunder of Major Series Lacrosse.

Saturday’s formal program paid special tribute to the late Jay Benedict, the visionary project lead whose determination in the mid-1990s made the arena a reality. A memorial plaque unveiled in his honor recognized his leadership as Director of Technical Services and his role in guiding planning, funding, and construction—work that ensured opportunities for future generations.

“This building is here because of the hard work of the people who are sitting here at the podium,” said Grand Chief Leonard Lazore of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. Addressing a crowd that included young hockey and lacrosse players, Lazore reflected on Benedict’s legacy: “We’re celebrating the lasting impact he had—his dedication, his resilience, and his humour.”

Other speakers included former arena manager Geraldine Jacobs and former grand chiefs Russell Roundpoint and Mike Mitchell, each of whom highlighted the vision and effort that carried the project forward.

Over the years, the Turtle Dome has seen its share of triumphs and challenges. It twice hosted the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (2002, 2003), and survived a 2018 fire that temporarily closed its doors. That same year, nearly $1 million in upgrades modernized the arena with a new scoreboard, LED lighting, expanded concessions, and a major chiller system. More recently, the grounds expanded with the 2022 opening of the Akwesasne Skatepark.

The celebration wasn’t just about the past—it looked ahead too. Just last week, the arena hosted a five-day youth dance camp blending creativity and cultural learning. And this fall, a new team, the Akwesasne Wild, will begin play in the Northern Premier Hockey League, adding a fresh chapter to the arena’s growing story.

For 30 years, the A’nowara’kó:wa Arena has been more than just a building. It has been a gathering place, a stage for history, and a symbol of community pride. As the celebration showed, its legacy continues to grow—shaped by the people who call the Turtle Dome home.

By: FNTV Staff

Kahnawake Hunters Win First-Ever Founders Cup Championship (Read full story below)The Kahnawake Hunters have made histor...
08/25/2025

Kahnawake Hunters Win First-Ever Founders Cup Championship (Read full story below)

The Kahnawake Hunters have made history, capturing their first-ever Founders Cup championship and establishing themselves as one of Canada’s top Junior B lacrosse teams.

Their undefeated tournament run featured four straight wins against teams from across Turtle Island, including the Mountainview Mavericks (13–9), Nova Scotia Privateers (20–6), Seneca WarChiefs (10–5), and Calgary Shamrocks (12–6).

The tournament, hosted at the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex and Jim Starlight Centre on the Tsuut’ina First Nation, came to a dramatic close with a tense championship game between the Coquitlam Adanacs and the Kahnawake Hunters. Early on, it looked like the Adanacs had the edge, taking a 4–2 lead in the second period. But the momentum quickly shifted as the Hunters found their rhythm. The game ended in a commanding 9–4 victory for Kahnawake, sealing their undefeated run with a powerful comeback performance.

This win represents more than a national title—it carries deep significance for the Mohawk community of Kahnawake. Lacrosse holds powerful cultural and spiritual meaning in Indigenous communities, and the Hunters’ success on the national stage reflects their commitment to honoring and continuing that tradition.

The Kahnawake Hunters were founded in 2009 to create opportunities for local players to compete beyond the minor lacrosse level. Before the team’s formation, athletes often had to leave the community to pursue Junior B lacrosse elsewhere. By entering the Ontario Junior B Lacrosse League, the Hunters created a space for Indigenous players to grow and compete while remaining grounded in their community and culture.

The Kahnawake Hunters’ Founders Cup victory marks a proud and unforgettable moment for the team and their community—a reflection of years of dedication, growth, and connection to the game’s Indigenous roots. As they look ahead to the 2026 Ontario Junior B Lacrosse League season, set to begin in the spring, the Hunters carry the confidence of champions. Fans can also anticipate next year’s Founders Cup, which will be held in Saint John, New Brunswick, at Harbour Station in August 2026.

By: Kassidy Jacobs, Journalist — First Nations Media Network

08/24/2025

2025 Founders Cup Champions!! Congratulations Kahnawake Jr B Hunters!

CALGARY — After days of uncertainty, the Kahnawake Hunters have officially arrived in Calgary to compete in the 2025 Fou...
08/19/2025

CALGARY — After days of uncertainty, the Kahnawake Hunters have officially arrived in Calgary to compete in the 2025 Founders Cup. The Junior “B” lacrosse team wasn’t sure they would make the national championship after multiple flights were cancelled amid the ongoing Air Canada strike. But thanks to overwhelming support from their community, the Hunters managed to travel west — landing in time to hit the floor.

The Hunters’ arrival was warmly welcomed by the host Nations. In a statement, the Blackfoot Confederacy extended greetings:

“The Blackfoot Confederacy is honoured to welcome the Kahnawake Hunters players, coaches, staff, and families from Kahnawà:ke and the Mohawk Nation to Mohkinstsis (Calgary) for the 2025 Founders Cup.”

The Blackfoot Confederacy highlighted the deeper meaning behind this year’s event, noting that both the Blackfoot and Kahnawake are members of the Jay Treaty Border Alliance. The relationship was strengthened last spring when the Blackfoot Confederacy attended the Iroquois Caucus General Assembly hosted by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake.

This year also carries special pride for the Blackfoot people as the Hunters roster includes Kainai’s own Zane Chief Moon. Chief Moon, who previously earned RMLL Rookie of the Year (2019) and led the league in scoring in 2023, is expected to be a standout player throughout the tournament.

The Hunters are off to a strong start, securing one win so far as the championship unfolds at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre on the Tsuut’ina Nation. The national Junior “B” box lacrosse championship runs from August 18–24, bringing together the top teams from across the country in celebration of lacrosse as a living expression of Indigenous strength and community.

— FNTV staff

Ontario Junior B Champs!! Big Congratulations to the Kahnawake Hunters who will head to Calgary! Photo credit: Nanticoke...
08/13/2025

Ontario Junior B Champs!! Big Congratulations to the Kahnawake Hunters who will head to Calgary!
Photo credit: Nanticoke Media, Junior B Hunters

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)

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