No iah! No iah! Happy New Year! The Haudenosaunee year of 2011 was a year of issues that confronted not only the traditional governments but the elective councils as well.

• Identification Cards: The Haudenosaunee Documentation Committee worked on the Haudenosaunee ID Cards the whole year of 2011. They ran into difficulties but kept at the long and arduous work. Progress was made: equipment is in each of the satellite communities, the office has been set up as the distribution site (Onondaga and Six Nations) and a computer back up is also in place. The card has been officially approved with one last concept to be approved. Work will continue on the ID cards with the final projected date for issuance as April.

This is an ongoing project and will be a continuing item for news.

• The Cayugas have faced difficulties in 2011 and it looks like this issue will continue into 2012, of course both Cayuga parties are waiting on the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Will keep you updated.

• Department of Environmental Conservation: the Haudenosaunee will continue to meet with the DEC on the fishing and hunting rights. These rights need to be protected and there will be continued meetings and work on this in 2012.

• The Canandaigua Treaty celebration was held on November 11th and was attended by many Haudenosaunee people. This is a celebration of the signing of this treaty for over 200 years. Be proud.

• The Six Nations Sings were well organized and well attended. What a way to come together and share social songs and enjoy the friendships of our fellow Nations. Think about attending in 2012. I will keep you informed of dates and places. Watch for them.

• The Six Nations Council meetings were held on the first Saturday of each month. The Chiefs conducted meetings to discuss and resolve community issues. 2012 looks to be as busy with the first meeting scheduled for January 7th.

• The Haudenosaunee Peace and Trade Committee met several times in 2011 to maintain a communications link between the Haudenosaunee Nations. An issue such as sales tax affects each nation, not just one. The Peace and Trade meeting review the events happening in each nation and discusses national issues confronting/challenging the Confederacy.

This Committee is ongoing and will continue to work for the people. The next meet is scheduled for Wednesday, January 4th at the Onondaga Nation.

• The Nations will soon be celebrating their Mid-winter ceremonies. Akwesasne’s Midwinter will start on January 28, 2012.

• The Mohawk Nation Longhouse held a No iah (New Year) Social on Saturday December 31, 2011. This was a well attended and fun time for all.

• The Iroquois Nationals Senior Box Lacrosse team traveled to Czechoslovakia for the World Box Indoor games in 2011 and won the Silver Medal. Coming up – World Field Games for 19 and under in Finland in 2012. Keep you posted.

Of course the federal government looms on the horizon. Homeland Security and the State Department are two Agencies that require the Confederacy’s attention. Obama needs to follow through with his promises. We as Onkwehonwe need to hold him to what he has said to our leadership. The work is there for us all.

The Mohawk Nation is moving in a positive direction. Leadership roles, duties and responsibilities are a priority in 2012. All the Six Nations are faced with the issue of good leadership. 2012 will be important to all Six Nations.

• Finally to all of us let there be peace, love and harmony in Akwesasne. Let us talk with each other using a good mind and words of respect. We are here to protect our territory (our Mother the Earth) for the future generations. Have a great year.