The Family Home on Reserves and Matrimonial Rights and Interest Act!

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The Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Rights and Interest Act (FHRMIRA) became Canadian law in 2013, with the first part of the act, “First Nation Law Making Mechanism,” coming into force in 2013.  

Part two was the “Provisional Federal Rules” that came into effect the following year in December of 2014, which provided a template for Onkwehonwe communities to use until that community could develop their own.

“Laws are not tested before application; they do not bear witness to reality until they are already enforced and already causing harm”

Mohawk, Turtle clan member

Essentially the Indian Act had erased thousands of years of matrilineal land entitlement, only to be replaced by a male-dominated land ownership model. Although Politicians and Organizations thought the act would balance out the damage that the Indian act had caused, it has unsurprisingly created other problems.

Reserve land, often referred to as Crown Land, is mistaken as having no real value in the Canadian worldview. The misconception of Ownership has devalued property to the point that Onkwehonwe cannot use their land as collateral for loans.

It simultaneously created a situation where Onkwehonwe partners would not benefit similarly from the division of assets. On the other hand, a Non-Native partner could benefit by forcing a sale of a Matrimonial home using off-reserve home values

The legislation may have been well-intentioned in the beginning, meaning its development was created to protect a Marginalized and Vulnerable population from experiencing catastrophic loss and prevent homelessness. 

But like every piece of Canadian legislation forcefully applied to Onkwehonwe Nations through federal band councils, there have been consequences and many cases of misuse through manipulation. 

Lets Talk Land

U. S. May Revive Iroquois Plan of Confederacy

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April 27, 1928-Originally printed in Press and Sun-Bulletin.

The Senate committee Investigating Indian affairs with the Idea of reorganizing the Indian Bureau is giving attention to the plan under consideration for several years by the Iroquois, or Six Nations, reviving the ancient tribal confederacy to meet modern conditions, says the Buffalo News. 

It may be that the plan, in some measure, will be applied to the Indians who are wards of the government. However, the Iroquois are not under Federal control.

Ths plan of the Iroquois is to create a fund of 1,000,000 million dollars to develop Industries and establish schools, and eventually a university. The sponsors of the project intend to begin the ambitious undertaking at Onondaga, N. Y., where a model village will be set up. 

There are today some 15.000 members of the Six Nations Senecas, Oneidas. Mohawks, Onondaga,  Cayugas and  Tuscaroras, about 6,000 are In New York, state and the remainder in Canada. 

In the days before and during the American Revolution, the Iroquois were efficiently self-governing. The “Long House” was their seat of government. The possibility that their old spirit and fundamental solidarity may be applied Industrially, educationally and otherwise to raise them again to the high estate is engaging. 

They have the right within limits that do not conflict with the order the white men have established in this land. The ‘ Indian bureau should be taken out of politics. There are black spots on this country’s record with regard to the red men, attributable to the political management of Indian affairs. 

Most of the Indians now are citizens. They should be placed in a position to help themselves to stand on their own feet.

FIGHT FOR THE LINE

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The 3rd Saturday of every July is the Annual Border Crossing Celebration, where Onkwehonwe cross the colonial border in Oni: kara (Niagara Falls). In addition, the celebration reminds the United States and Canada as a British Commonwealth to not interfere in our traditional travel and trade routes.

The Indian Defence League of America’s founders (IDLA) ensured this…

Good Minds Think Alike

Deskaheh became an enemy of Canada and even some of his people. His unrelenting campaign against Britain and Canada in the early to mid-1920s made it impossible to return to Canada without facing imprisonment.

Clinton Rickard welcomed his like-minded friend to stay with him, but while staying there in Rochester, New York, Deskaheh’s health worsened. He requested that his medicine carrier from Ohsweken visit him, but a 1924 US Immigration Law would not allow it.

On his deathbed in June 1925, Deskaheh told Rickard and others to “Fight for the line,” Shortly after his death, the Indian Defence League of America made its debut.

Submitted on May 7, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania

Indian Defence League of America

Rickard and several other Rotinonhsyonni, including David Hill and Sophie Martin (Pictured above), began to lobby for the United States to recognize their responsibility as outlined in Article 3 of the Jay Treaty. In only a few short years, IDLA succeeded in their bid and on April 2, 1928, The US president signed the terms of the Jay Treaty into recognition.

“I did not consider there was any such thing as ‘Canadian Indian’ or ‘United States Indian.’ All Indians are one people. We were here long before there was any border to make an artificial division of our people.”

Chief Clinton Rickard- From Fighting Tuscarora, p. 72

On the other hand, Canada was forging ahead to absorb Onkwehonwe into the body politic, and most, unfortunately, the argument continues to this day. A 2016 Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal People recommended that a solution be found and reported by December 2017, which never manifested any changes.

Once again, a group of elected chiefs, including a retired elected chief have formed a Jay Treaty Alliance to revisit this subject after numererous violations became publicized. Like the previous engagement, this group does appear to include any grassroots advocates, which is a fundamental component of any action.

April 23, 2022

RUN FOR THE BORDER

The Border Crossing Celebration has a long and rich history and has continued, albeit ceremonially, throughout the pandemic. Therefore, it has become critical to remind Canada that they have inherited their predecessor’s agreements, contracts and treaties.

Article three reminds Canada not to interfere with our ability to travel freely through their borders. Article three is the only article of the twenty-eight forming the Jay Treaty that Canada has not ​​Ratified.

Canada will insist it is a country based on the rule of law, but the truth is they will attempt to skirt their laws when it suits their comfort level. 

If you want to become involved, Please visit the IDLA Facebook page.

National Day Of Mourning

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We would like to offer our condolences to all the families that lost their children in the residential labour boarding systems within Turtle Island.

We offer our love and gratitude to the survivors so that they know they are valued.

We offer our silence so that we may listen to their stories.

We offer our compassion

Solidarity Day in Six Nations: Interview with Elected Chief Mark Hill

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How Traditional is Tattooing?

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Tyendinaga Gathering

The second annual Indigenous Tattoo Gathering in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory took place over the May weekend. Artists and orators gathered to share ideas and culturally specific experiences. As well as their efforts to revitalize some of these ancient techniques before they welcomed the general public. 

These events are gaining popularity, but so is the evidence supporting the existence of the ancient practice. Therefore, it’s essential to continue to discover/uncover more about the Authentic History of tattooing within our respective nations.

How Traditional is Tattooing?

Tattooing refers to the permanent insertion of pigments under the skin using tools that can puncture the skin. While there is also skin painting or smearing open wounds intentionally with soot or ash for permanent discolouration, Its not the same.

Mummified remains Found in Peru

We must remember that mummified remains are scarce in North America, leaving little to the tangible archeological record.  However, studies on materials found in locations like Tsiionhiakwatha have yielded identifiable tools consistent with those only used for tattooing. 

Archaeologists found the tools at Tsiionhiakwatha in and around a minimal area within the longhouse suggesting the skills were limited to a single practitioner or a small group.

In addition, the Small area where scientists located the tools indicates the importance of the craft itself and the intimate environment within the clan family. 

Tattooing Medicine

Symbols and patterns have distinguished Onkwehonwe between clan systems, pottery, clothing and even combs. So naturally, it makes sense that Onkwehonwe would use these symbols or designs for specific purposes, including medicinal practices. 

Otzi, the 5,300-year-old iceman found at the Italy-Austria border, provided a splendid view of his 61 separate tattoos primarily placed over classic acupuncture points. Along with natural medicines found near his body, It is highly speculative that Otzi belonged to a society with advanced knowledge of Medicine.

A mummy located in Peru had two distinct types of tattooing ink, suggesting two different purposes, one quite possibly being healing and medicinal ink. In addition, Onkwehonwe used face or body painting for ceremonial or camouflage practices, so It was well within the evolutionary abilities of the inhabitants throughout North & South America to use vegetation-based dyes and pigments for therapeutic tattoos.

Talking Ink

While revitalization efforts have been taking place, nuances of the practice such as storytelling are just as important as the piece itself. However, the most interesting is the milestones, or the Messaging carried with the ink and tattoo placement.

Tattoos are a language; it’s a way to communicate,

Kanenhariyo

 Identity and kinship are a significant part of many Onkwehonwe cultures, and importantly, many symbols belonged to specific clans or lineages within individual nations. This suggests one could be identified solely by their tattoos!

kanehsataketattoo@gmail.com

If you missed the Tyendinaga Tattoo Gathering, You could still catch the 1st annual Kanehsatake tattoo gathering in August.

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