First Nations Media Network

07/30/2025

🔥 Creativity. Culture. Community.
The 3rd Annual Akwesasne 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!

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

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

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).

07/16/2025

A new joint venture between Aecon Industries and Mohawk Networks is doing more than expanding broadband—it’s laying the groundwork for Indigenous-led infrastructure across Turtle Island.

AKWESASNE — On July 9, 2025, Mohawk Networks, LLC announced a strategic joint venture with Aecon Industries, Inc to launch Aecon-Mohawk Networks—an Indigenous-led partnership that aims to deliver critical utility infrastructure (such as broadband internet, electrical power, and telecom systems) across the United States, with a focus on underserved Indigenous communities.

The joint venture will prioritize expanding broadband access throughout Turtle Island (United States), helping to close the digital divide that continues to limit opportunities in many Indigenous territories. By building robust digital infrastructure, the partnership hopes to empower communities through improved connectivity, access to education, economic development, and cultural preservation.

Under the agreement, Mohawk Networks will hold majority ownership of the Aecon-Mohawk Networks venture, reinforcing tribal leadership in the advancement of modern infrastructure solutions.

“The Aecon-Mohawk Networks JV will help advance digital infrastructure in Indigenous communities,” said Allyson Mitchell, General Manager of Mohawk Networks. “We chose to partner with Aecon for their deep commitment to Indigenous communities, a commitment that aligns with our vision. Together, we are focused on connecting the ‘forgotten mile’—establishing essential infrastructure in Indigenous communities where the next wave of leaders—our teachers, engineers, aviators, scientists, artists, and linguists—can develop, without borders.”

Founded in 2015 and based in Bombay, New York, Mohawk Networks is a telecommunications holding company owned by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. It was established through a $15 million broadband initiative that laid 68 miles of fiber optic cable—bringing reliable and affordable internet and video services to hundreds of residents and businesses across Akwesasne.

Aecon is a leader in utility infrastructure services across Canada and the United States, with expertise in electrical power, renewable energy, telecom networks, and pipeline distribution.

Sovereignty in Action

For Mohawk Networks, entering the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program isn’t just a business decision—it’s a tool for sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and long-term nation building.
That designation—granted to tribal-owned enterprises under U.S. law—gives eligible businesses access to federal contracts, sole-source procurement opportunities, and mentor-protégé partnerships with industry leaders. It’s a path that allows tribes to build economic strength on their own terms, without reliance on state grants or outside entities.

“We look forward to deepening our relationship with the Mohawk community of Akwesasne and Mohawk Networks as this partnership evolves,” added Dereck Oikawa, Senior Vice President of Aecon Utilities U.S. operations. “Together, we’ll connect communities through essential broadband infrastructure and create lasting benefits for generations to come.”

As the Aecon-Mohawk Networks joint venture moves forward, it represents a powerful model for how Indigenous leadership and industry expertise can come together to transform connectivity, bridge infrastructure gaps, and create pathways to opportunity across sovereign lands.

What began with 68 miles of fiber beneath Akwesasne soil— now a decade later, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is scaling that vision, this time, with a national partner and a plan to connect the ‘forgotten mile.’

(Photo — Allyson Mitchell, General Manager of Mohawk Networks and Dereck Oikawa, Senior Vice President of Aecon Industries, Inc)

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

07/15/2025

MCA Invests in the Future of Kanien’kéha

AKWESASNE — In a powerful step toward revitalizing the language and culture of the community, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) has made a significant donation of $336,135 to support the grassroots language group Ionkwahronkha’onhátie’, whose name means “We are becoming fluent.”

This investment is more than financial—it’s a commitment to cultural survival and renewal.

Ionkwahronkha’onhátie’ is leading the way in Kanien’kéha revitalization, offering adult immersion programs, mentorship, and community-rooted learning that helps transform learners into speakers. Their mission is to return the language to daily life, home conversations, and future generations.

The donation comes from the First Nations Child & Family Services (FNCFS) Settlement and will help expand access to language instruction, strengthen curriculum, and support immersive experiences that bring the language to life.

“Council is proud to support language revitalization efforts, recognizing that our language is the heart of our identity, culture, and worldview,” said Grand Chief Leonard Lazore. “By investing in its resurgence, we honour our ancestors and empower future generations to carry our words forward with strength and pride.”

This funding is a reminder that healing can take many forms—and sometimes, it begins with a word spoken, remembered, and passed on.

Together, the community is not just preserving a language—they are breathing life into a legacy.

By: FNMN Staff (Photo Credit: MCA Communications Department)

07/14/2025

07/14/2025

Same fire. New frequency. New name. Same mission. Bigger vision.

We’re proud to share that First Nations TV is evolving — welcome to the First Nations Media Network.

🎥 Indigenous-owned and independently operated since 2014, our mission has always been to amplify voices specifically from the Mohawk Nation and within the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and across Turtle Island. With this new name, we’re expanding our reach across news, documentary, podcasting, education, and digital storytelling — while staying rooted in truth and community.

🌐 Our new website is coming soon — and with it, more original content, more platforms, and more ways to connect.