Haudenosaunee Confederacy News

•• The Haudenosaunee Confederacy Grand Council held a meeting on Saturday, December 11, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. with a Traditional Opening by Sid Hill. There were two items on the agenda:

1. Border Crossing (ID cards and Passports): The Chairperson (Carl Hill) was not in attendance so committee members gave an update of the last meeting.

a. ID Cards: next step is scheduling training and sending remainder of equipment.

b. Passports: initial work begun on the Czechoslovakia trip by the Iroquois Nationals.

c. Passport example needs to be passed by Grand Council.

2. Attendance at President Obama’s summit meeting December 16 and private meeting on December 15: this was deliberated for several hours ending with the following resolution – those Haudenosaunee nations receiving invitations to the summit, send their representatives and be sure to recommend Sid Hill be invited to the December 15th meeting to represent the Haudenosaunee. This was agreed upon.

•• Haudenosaunee Peace and Trade: No meeting was held. Next scheduled meeting is January 20, 2011 at Onondaga.

•• Haudenosaunee Documentation Committee meeting scheduled for December 16, 2010 at Oneida Territory, Ontario.

•• The Iroquois Nationals held a board meeting on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at the Onondaga Elementary School. Items discussed and agreed upon:

1. Posting of Head Coach position for 2 weeks. Must submit letter of interest and resume to Percy Abrams, Executive Director at [email protected]

2. Posting for two (2) trainers with above information and send to Percy Abrams at above e-mail address.

3. Letter to go to Czech lacrosse verifying the Nationals will participate in the Box World Games.

General manager to go forward with gathering information on flight costs, travel itinerary.

4. Agreed to move forward on 501 C-3 incorporation status.

5. Discussion on passport issue: latest news and updates. Looks positive!

6. Meeting adjourned.

•• The Onondaga Elementary School held their annual craft fair December 11th and 12th in the entrance way and gym. There were about 25 crafts people. There was a variety of crafts from splint baskets to machine woven woolen vest (beautiful). The local community members provided the food: hot turkey sandwiches, tacos, hot chocolate and other drinks. Good food and atmosphere.

•• Midwinter Ceremonies: The Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs announces Midwinter Ceremonies will start on January 9, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. The first day will be the Stirring of Ashes. Please remember to enter the long house as follows:

Bears and other clans enter by the west door (womens); wolf and turtle enter by the eastern door (mens).

You can bring: meat (deer, caribou, beef, and moose) fried bread, strawberriesmaple syrup and white washed corn. All items should be thawed, not frozen. Bring your utensils, bowl, cups and dress appropriately. Hope to see you there.

•• Enjoy the time off. Enjoy your family and friends during this time. Remember its up to each of us to bring PEACE, LOVE and KINDNESS to our families, clans and community.Season’s greetings