Haudenosaunee News

On Saturday, January 28, 2012 the Midwinter Ceremonies begin at 9:00am (sharp!) with the Stirring of the Ashes. A renewal for the year to come. The Longhouse will be divided so the Bears, Snipes, Eels and other clans (both Men and Women) will enter by the west door (women’s side) and the Wolves and Turtles (Men and Women) will enter by the east door.

You can bring maple syrup, strawberries (thawed), bread, (corn, fried, biscuits), white corn, meat (venison, moose, buffalo, beef) and kidney beans. Please bring your bowl, cup, and utensils. We ask that you dress appropriately and bring your moccasins or an extra pair of shoes to keep the floor dry. Niawen

Stirring of the Ashes is long day at the longhouse. There will be a speech repeated at each stove (fire) all day long with different personal songs. You will go to the stove on the east end of the longhouse, a speaker will recite the speech and then with your paddle you stir the ashes. Then you walk to the stove (fire) on the west end and the process is repeated. This goes on all day until everyone has stirred the ashes.

It’s a new year and the first day of Mid Winter. Happy Noiah

The Midwinter Ceremonies are as follows:

Saturday: Stirring of Ashes

Sunday: Medicine Day

Monday: Burning of Tobacco

Tuesday: 3 Feather Dances

Wednesday: Aton wa-Name giving

Thursday: Drum Song

Friday: Peach Bowl/ Last Day

• The Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs hosted a meeting at the longhouse on Saturday, January 21, 2012. Approximately 100 people attended the meeting to discuss leadership roles. The meeting started at 10:00 and ended about 2:00.

The meeting centered on the title names within the Confederacy and how can the Mohawk communities have input into the Nation Council. The discussions were good and a recommendation was for the two longhouses in Kahnawake to start meeting to talk with each other. Another recommendation/request was for classes on the Hiawatha belt and the positions within a title name.

The next meeting is scheduled for February 25, 2012 however, if the Okiweh ceremony is scheduled for the 25th then the meeting will be the following week.

• All is quiet in Haudenosaunee country due to Mid-Winter Ceremonies. Have a good week.