Kentenhkó:wa /November 2012

Featured Programs Tribal Membership Water Let's Get Vocational Committee Resources Healthy Rehabilitation Kawennì:ios

7 Miles for 7 Generations 1 Helping Build a Better Tomorrow Business Feature 2013 Business Directory

By Alyson Cole, Public Information Administrative/Production Assistant

ttention businesses, organizations, and service Overall, the main objective of the Business Directory providers, the 2013 edition of the Akwesasne is to promote commerce in Akwesasne and provide BusinessA Directory is in the final stage of development! people with a publication to find businesses and services This free, annual publication is a great way to get the here. Last year 5,000 copies were printed and distributed word out about your new business or organization. It across Akwesasne and to the has also become a useful Chambers of Commerce for tool in updating the Massena, Malone, Cornwall contact information or and St. Lawrence County. the location of existing places within the four The Akwesasne Business districts of Akwesasne. Directory is a complimentary service brought to you by the Each business SRMT Office of Economic or organization that Development and the participates will be MCA Department of included in one or more of Akwesasne Economic Development. If the 19 business categories you would like to list your for easy reference. The business, organization, categories will remain church, school or post the same as last year with office, the form is available one new addition that will 2013 online at www.srmt-nsn. feature churches, schools Business gov under the Economic and post offices. For those Development page. who may not be familiar, Directory Included with the form examples of these categories is a map so you may are restaurants, construction correctly pin-point your services and convenience location. After filling stores, just to name a few. out all the information you want included If this is your first time in the directory, please being featured in the directory, Deadline for 2013 Edition: return the form and you will need to provide the Kentenhkó:wa/November 16, 2012 map to the Office of following information so Economic Development. service seekers can contact you: phone and fax numbers, Applications may be dropped off at the Community emails, web addresses, physical addresses and a brief Building Office or by email: kasey.thomas@srmt-nsn. description of what you or your company has to offer. gov. The deadline for applications or to make changes to The directory also includes a map of Akwesasne with a current entry is Kentenhkó:wa/November 16, 2012. If your exact location and provides consumers with an you would like more information or have any questions, easy way to find your business. As always, each edition please contact the Office of Economic Development at features updated local emergency numbers and a list 518-358-2272. ◊ of the departments and services of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. 2 Good Words of Welcome

Shékon Sewakwe:kon Akwesashró:non, This month, I want to update everyone on a few items such as our Summer Youth Program, trip problem, Akwesasne’s experiences are worse that most report, Mohawk Language class, Boys and Girls Club of those that were shared. fundraisers and an upcoming TCR on synthetic drugs. Mohawk Language Class - Mrs. Carole Ross has a Summer Youth Program - This year our JOM program Mohawk language class and lab, which is located in the and the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club combined community building straight ahead when you walk in. their Summer Youth Program and were able to accept She currently has a level I and level II class on-going. 150 applications from our youth. Their hard work and The Tribe has made a lasting investment in the program dedication gave Akwesasne’s youth a great summer to strengthen and protect our language and Mrs. Ross experience, which took place at the Mohawk School. has seen a recent increase in her class enrollment. Great In the past, each program operated separately, but they job to Mrs. Ross for working to keep our language decided to work together and through teamwork, they strong. accomplished their goal of providing Akwesasne’s Boys and Girls Club Fundraiser - Our Akwesasne youth with a great summer program. Boys and Girls Club is having a couple upcoming I also say Niawen:kówa to each and every worker. fundraisers. They will be having a volleyball tournament, Every person who worked the program was drug free! and also a trivia night. Please come out and support our Please keep yourself on the correct path. We also children at these upcoming fundraisers. have many young adults who are working at other Synthetic Drug TCR - One area that we can take a operations in Akwesasne (Bingo Palace, Casino, Tarbell positive step forward is an upcoming Tribal Council Management Group and others) who also drug test Resolution, which expands on prior TCR 2012-01. their employees. Niawen:kówa to each of you also for That TCR banned synthetic cannabis. The upcoming living drug free. TCR bans all synthetic drug products and all products Trip Report - At the end of July, I attended the known to be used for the consumption of illegal and Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America designer drugs. One question to ask yourself, even if (CADCA) mid-year conference in Nashville, TN. It some products are not illegal, do we want these products was a great, eye-opening experience that showed what in Akwesasne, knowing that these products ARE other communities in the country are going through contributing to our drug epidemic? I do not, Council with their drug epidemics. One thing that it showed me does not, and I hope our community does not! was that when people were sharing their communities Niá:wen experiences of when they realized they had a drug Michael Conners, Sub-Chief

On the Cover: The 6th Annual 7 Miles for 7 Generations Walk-A-Thon had a total of 78 participants and raised over $4000 with all proceeds to benefit the Diabetes Center of Excellence.

Kawennì:ios “Good Words” is published monthly by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Public Information Office, David Trout Staddon, Editor 412 State Route 37, Akwesasne, NY 13655 Aimée Benedict-Debo, Publications Manager (518) 358-2272 Alyson Cole - Production Assistant [email protected] www.srmt-nsn.gov 3 Mommy...Why is the sky blue?

By Angela Benedict, Air Quality Manager

Sky Appears Blue Air Molecule ow many times have you heard settle. The night air is "cleaner" than afternoon that? Or something like that? air. Ok so it looks like the morning air is "cleaner" MyH nephew asked my sister one day, “Do which means the vibrant colors aren't there and the spiders have tails?” I know we moms are smart sun looks yellow. After the day, the sunset shows very but where do they come up with this stuff? Of vibrant colors because of all the activity of kicking up course it is funny how we like to show them just dust and kicking out more pollution. Pollution can how much we know. I had my kids believing that I come from several sources not just man-made but had eyes behind my head. How do you always know from natural sources like cows burping/farting to what I am doing when you're not looking at me? Then volcanic eruptions. they would come up with, “How come I don’t have eyes The eye cannot see all wavelengths. in the back of my head?” I told them you have to have There are more wavelengths, longer kids first and once you have kids you'll see. Too funny! and shorter, of the visible spectrum Anyway, so why is the sky blue? And the sunset red? Sunset Appears such as microwave, x-rays and radio Orange? Pink? Lots of kids ask this, so here is the Red waves. So how does the length of answer: long story short because I said so! Just kidding. light make the sky different colors? The sky is blue because of the atmosphere. The Through scattering. The shorter the atmosphere is made up of gases that filter the light from length, the more waves to hit particles causing it to the sun to make the sky appear blue. The appearance of scatter. If the wavelength scatters you don’t see it. The color is made up of wavelengths. Different wavelengths longer wavelength doesn’t have as many "waves" to hit equal different colors. That explains why we have particles so it doesn’t scatter as much therefore allowing different colors depending on what time of day it is. It's us to see the color. actually kind of cool that the sky changes color. Kind It is said that the cities have really of scary too! “How?” you ask. Well, the color of the sky beautiful sunsets but people don’t see doesn’t just depend on the gases in the atmosphere. It them because they are too busy with is affected by the dusts as well as chemicals (pollution) their lives or there are things and other sources of atmospheric particulates. So the like buildings in the way. prettier more vibrant color -- the more pollution there So for the now take a is. look at our beautiful So why are the sunrise and the sunset so different? skies and hope that Because of nighttime. The night is when things seem to it doesn’t change too reset: the cooler temperatures and the minimal amount much for the next seven of movement. I don’t know what the percentage is, but generations. ◊ it seems to me there is less traffic and movement among people at night and with the cooler temperatures things

4 Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Community & Family Services Program Feature

By Cody Terrance and Nicole David

he American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation employment, you must be a member of a federally project began because many disabled, particularly recognized tribe, have an American social security thoseT residing on reservations were not being served by number and an American address. state agencies. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) The TVR staff consists of Nicole David, Program Vocational Rehabilitation Program (TVR) started Manager, Cody Terrance, Administrative Assistant, October 1, 2000 and is one of only three projects on the Deidre Rourke, Job Developer, Holley Boots and east coast. The mission of the SRMT TVR Program is Joseph Chamberlain, TVR Counselors. Nicole David to assist American Indians with disabilities in preparing was promoted in December 2011 to program manager for, engaging in and maintaining employment. from her previous position as Administrative Assistant. TVR hosts Disability Awareness Day each year Cody Terrance was offered the position in March 2012. to bring to light the different disabilities and the Cody is the newest member of the TVR staff. tribe's various The SRMT TVR programs that program operates offer services for from 8:00 a.m. to those individuals 5:00 p.m. Monday affected. TVR through Friday, not program employees including holidays. also attend The program is Wellness Day located on the and career fairs to bottom floor of the promote the TVR Tribal building. program and the The entrance is services we offer Nicole David, Holley Boots, Joe Chamberlain, in the back of the to the community Deidre Rourke and Cody Terrance building which is members with handicap accessible disabilities. Our Disability Awareness Day gives the in compliance with the American Disability Act. TVR program a chance to speak to the public on the services we offer such as: vocational rehabilitation In June 2012 the Consortia of Administrators for counseling and training, transportation, information Native American Rehabilitation ( CANAR) presented and referrals, adaptive aids, assistive devices, job Holley Boots with the Outstanding Staff Member development and placement, occupational and business Award. She was honored for her dedication and licenses and many other services. commitment to improve the quality of life for Native American individuals with disabilities. Disability Awareness Day also gives people a chance to learn about different types of disabilities such as: Nicole David wrote, "Holley Boots has proven to be alcohol and drug dependency, amputations, blindness/ a valuable asset to our program and our community. She visual impairments, head injury, mental retardation, has gone above and beyond in her year and a half of mental health, diabetes or any other physical or mental being employed by the program. Beyond her scope of condition that limits one’s ability to obtain gainful work, she gone out to the community pulling resources employment. for her consumers who want native healing and cultural programs as a way to rehabilitate and grow strength and To be eligible for the TVR Program you must first self-awareness." The TVR program is lucky to have have a documented disability which impedes gainful such a dedicated person on its staff. ◊ 5 Membership Committee

By David T. Staddon, Editor

he Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Katrina Jacobs, Sharon Thompson, Julia Jacobs, Membership Committee meets weekly Betty Roundpoint, Sheila Hill, Millie Cook, to Taddress the issue of criteria for tribal Roger Thomas, Bonnie Hart and Mabel White. membership. One of the committee’s main Tribal Chief Randy Hart serves in an advisory responsibilities is to develop a Membership capacity. Code. The purpose of the code is to ensure the ongoing strength of the people of the Saint Regis The committee has been analyzing the Mohawk Tribe; to provide fair and just criteria proposed membership code which outlines the for eligibility; and to provide notice concerning general provisions of the code, the criteria for eligibility requirements. membership, such as natural heritage, marriages, adoptions, the application procedure, as well as In the early 1980s, a committee was the establishment of a membership court in the established to work on tribal membership event of an appeal of a membership decision by rules. Numerous membership committees the Tribal Clerk. existed prior to that time. In September 2004, Tribal Council authorized the formation of the The Membership Committee meets on a committee (referred to as a Membership Board weekly basis on Thursday evenings at 5:00 p.m. in TCR 2004-58). Currently, the Membership in the Tribal Council Boardroom. Community Committee has 10 members: Alice Jacobs, members are welcome to attend. ◊

Chief Randy Hart, Betty Roundpoint, Katrina Jacobs, Julia Jacobs, Alice Jacobs and Sharon Thompson

6 Healing to Wellness Drug Court Graduates Two Press Release

n Thursday October 11, 2012, the Healing to the day-to-day operations. The program is a rather strict Wellness Drug court graduated its first two regime to ensure that the graduates will be successful in participants.O The graduation ceremony was preceded their transition back to the community. Generally, the by hearings for five other individuals in the court’s minimum time a person would spend in the program program. would be one year. There is no maximum time. “As The Healing to Wellness Drug Court is a program long as a participant is making progress, we’ll continue designed to place individuals back into the community to work with them,” added Judge Herne. Participants and into their families. Those who successfully complete are required to complete drug screenings three times the program may possible receive a lighter sentence, a a week for the first 90 days, diminishing to monthly reduced fine or testing towards the end of the program. Program an early release participants will from probation. generally undergo “Everything is 100 drug tests considered on by the time they a case-by-case complete the basis,” noted Chief program. Judge PJ Herne. Judge “Participants are Herne awarded generally those who certificates of have non-violent completion and misdemeanors and gift certificates to associated with the two individuals substance abuse.” who graduated. Individuals can He also read aloud enter the program their letters of at any point in time Chief Judge PJ Herne and Micalee Horn wih Graduate recommendation. during their rehab Matthew Tarbell Graduate process. Matthew Tarbell The staff meets weekly to review the participants’ had entered the program in May 2011. After receiving cases and to decide who is eligible for the program and his certificate, he thanked Judge Herne and the Healing who isn’t. The program had nine participants – now to Wellness Drug Court staff and said, “My daughter minus the two who successfully completed it. “Our was the inspiration for completing the program.” maximum number of participants would be somewhere “Today is a monumental day for the Healing to between 15 to 20 people,” said Judge Herne. “Having a Wellness Drug Court. This graduation shows how smaller case load allows Micalee to have more contact Akwesasne programs and governments can work with the participants which allows her to be more together to help community members battling hands-on with each participant and allows me to have addiction issues and return them to the community on good relationships with not only the participant but a better path, which is good for them, their families, with their family as well.” and the entire community,” said Barbara A. Gray Ph.D. Micaelee Horn is the staff person who is responsible for Tribal Court Attorney and Administrator. ◊ 7 Water Resources Program Environment Division Program Feature

By Tony David, Program Manager

he Water Resources Program (WRP) is a part of These data will also be used to determine future fish the Environment Division and includes the areas improvement projects throughout the St. Lawrence of Twater quality, fisheries and wetlands management. River basin. Our goal is to monitor the Tribe’s water resources and manage activities that may impair or impact use An ongoing project for WRP is the restoration of and enjoyment by tribal members. WRP concluded Atlantic salmon to the St. Regis and Salmon Rivers. a third field season for the evaluation of threatened Atlantic salmon could not survive the changes due to and endangered species of fish — eastern sand darter, dams and water quality issues. This project is made lake sturgeon, mooneye — in and possible with the help of the U.S. around tribal waters. An additional Geological Survey and the Tunison benefit of this work is the collection Laboratory of Aquatic Science. This of data for a variety of minnows To preserve the October 7,000 salmon fingerlings were and sport fish such as smallmouth physical, biological and released in these watersheds. The goal is bass, perch, sunfish and walleye. reestablish a natural run of salmon that Through this work, WRP will be chemical integrity of ended over 100 years ago. able to identify and protect rare Tribal Waters WRP is working with the New and sensitive populations of fish York State Department of Health on that may otherwise go unnoticed. an Akwesasne-specific fish and game

Bucket of Atlantic Salmon Parr Being Released into Hopkinton Brook, a Tributary of the St. Regis River

8 Technician Displays One of the Atlantic Salmon Salmon Recaptured After Being Released in Last Parr Being Released Year's Batch

advisory program. WRP is conducting community Other news: James Costello (Environmental surveys to determine what types of fish and game are Protection Specialist for WRP) recently received a consumed by Akwesashró:non (community members). grant award of $229,500 for the Development of a The goal is to educate community members so they Comprehensive Tribal Wetland Program Plan. This can make informed decision about the types of fish and work will strengthen the Division’s ability to assess game to consume. To participate in the surveys or to be the health of tribal wetland resources and develop a a part of a focus group please, contact the Environment framework for management. ◊ Division.

Backpack Electrofisher Stuns Fish for Capture to Assess Fish Populations in the Stream

9 Documents Needed

By ­­­ David T. Staddon, Editor The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is currently seeking any information including letters or any other old documents pertaining to the Indian Meadows, the Grasse River or the Mile Square in Massena or any other documents related to the Treaty of 1796. Please contact Lillian Barton at 518-358-2272 extension 165 to have the information copied and archived.

The Seven Nations of Canada Treaty of 1796

agents for the state, having, Monday in August, yearly, forever thereafter, the in the presence, and with the like sum of two hundred and thirteen pounds six approbationTHE of the commissioner, proposed to shillings and eight-pence: Provided nevertheless, the deputies for the Indians, the compensation That the people of the state of New-York shall not hereinafter mentioned, for the extinguishment of be held to pay the said sums, unless in respect to their claim to all lands within the state, and the the two sums to be paid on the third Monday in said deputies being willing to accept the same, August next, at least twenty, and in respect to the it is thereupon granted, agreed and concluded said yearly sum to be paid thereafter, at least five between the said deputies and the said agents, of the principal men of the said Seven Nations as follows: The said deputies do, for and in the or tribes of Indians, shall attend as deputies to name of the said Seven Nations or tribes of receive and to give receipts for the same: The said Indians, cede, release and quit claim to the people deputies having suggested, that the Indians of the of the state of New-York, forever, all the claim, village of St. Regis have built a mill on Salmon right, or title of them, the said Seven Nations or river, and another on Grass river, and that the tribes of Indians, to lands within the said state: meadows on Grass river are necessary to them for Provided nevertheless, That the tract equal to six hay; in order, therefore, to secure to the Indians miles square, reserved in the sale made by the of the said village, the use of the said mills and commissioners of the land-office of the said state, meadows, in case they should hereafter appear not to Alexander Macomb, to be applied to the use of to be included within the above tract so to remain the Indians of the village of St. Regis, shall still reserved; it is, therefore, also agreed and concluded remain so reserved. The said agents do, for, and between the said deputies, the said agents, and the in the name of the people of the state of New- said William Constable and Daniel M’Cormick, York, grant to the said Seven Nations or tribes for themselves and their associates, purchasers of Indians, that the people of the state of New- under the said Alexander Macomb, of the adjacent York shall pay to them, at the mouth of the river lands, that there shall be reserved, to be applied Chazy, on Lake Champlain, on the third Monday to the use of the Indians of the said village of St. in August next, the sum of one thousand two Regis, in like manner as the said tract is to remain hundred and thirty-three pounds, six shillings and reserved, a tract of one mile square, at each of the eight-pence, and the further sum of two hundred said mills, and the meadows on both sides of the and thirteen pounds six shillings and eight-pence, said Grass river from the said mill thereon, to its lawful money of the said state, and on the third confluence with the river St. Lawrence.13 ◊

10 GIS - Tribal Lands Tribal Clerk's Office Program Feature

By Paul Doxtator, GIS Technician

ission: The Geographic Informationfor whether or not a certain location was within the land System program’s aim is to provide ready access claims and what the land claims actually entailed, the to landsM and estates for tribal community members in the idea was born to create a comprehensive map. The map form of land parcel maps and pertinent information. That displayed the boundaries and locations of the claimed includes acreage, dimensions and boundary adjoiners for the lands and affixed a detailed chronological history purposes of selling, buying, transferring land or otherwise showing the dates and details as to what transactions clearing, building and developing the took place. The result is that land. the map reader can visually capture a rich pool of factual A recent development in the and geographic data in a few area of Global Positioning System moments of analyzing the map. equipment is the acquisition of The actual details of each land the latest GPS model along with transaction were derived from the latest software. The great new different sources and not easily feature of the Trimble GeoXH available to the layman. The 6000 is the addition of new power of the map comes from technology called Floodlight®. This the fact that the various sources new technology allows a satellite of information are merged signal to penetrate tree cover and into one shared space with vegetation as well as corrections the corresponding geographic for infrastructure interference such display. Several colleagues and as standing too close to a building. tribal members have expressed Formerly the collection of location favorably about the utility and data was limited to open areas such clarity of the map. as roads, fields, yards and limited vegetation cover. It is hoped The G.I.S. department office that satellite signals will now be is located within the Tribal captured in the densest forest cover Clerk’s office at the Community and not be affected by the proximity Building at 412 State Route 37, Paul Uses New Global Positioning of buildings or other barriers. This Akwesasne, New York. System to Collect Geographic will go a long way to documenting Coordinates for Community Members' standing or fallen fence lines, The hours of operation for the Properties remote surveyor’s pins, stone fences G.I.S. department are 9:00 a.m. or other evidence as it exists in the more remote parts to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. of Akwesasne. Community members can walk in, make a phone call at 518-358-2272 ext.183 or email paul.doxtator@srmt- Another recent development is a small map project. nsn.gov for any inquiries regarding their lands. ◊ This has come to fruition for the benefit of the community for the land claims. After multiple requests

11 a d a n r SaintSaint RegisRegis MohawkMohawk TribeTribe LandLand ClaimsClaims a ive e R Ì C c ren 0241 Miles aw . L St c be ue Cornwall, Ontario Q

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r n ke Barnhart Island a no t e Kanatakon

i w o Ka n Fort a Fort s l ds B Covington n Robert Moses State Park r n i la d Is g Square Mile t I e t s ul d au an S sla g Fort Covington l Is n il Lo ro L n C dia k Ind s Hogansburg Yor ow w ad Triangle 14,640 Acres +/- 8,200 Acre +/- Legend Ne Me 2000 Acres +/- Solid red are land claims Historical Sketch Map of Original 6 Miles Square of St. Regis Reservation Plus a half mile on either Massena side of the Grasse River Mile **Original Boundaries containing over 23,000 acres before illegal sales conducted by New York State Timeline 1754 St. Regis established as a Catholic mission settlement by Caughnawaga Mohawk and French Jesuits (Quebec) May 31st 1796 Treaty between the Seven Nations of Canada and the State of New York creates the Saint Regis Mohawk Reservation of six square miles (over 23,000 acres), one mile square on the Grasse River and certain meadows on both sides of the river January 31st 1797 Treaty to establish the Saint Regis Mohawk Reservation ratified by the U.S. Senate 1799 Surveyor General for the State of New York, Simeon DeWitt, (formerly Geographer and Surveyor General for the Continental Army) was commissioned to survey the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation September 1st to September 30th 1938 A resurvey of the original DeWitt survey was performed by Guy R. Veal, Cadastral Engineer, and Horld R. Vogel, Public Land Surveyor for the General Land Office under special instructions for Group 5 New York March 15th, 1816 1816 to 1845 Several illegal sales contrary to U.S. Federal Law, specifically the Non-Intercourse Act September 25th, 1825 February 20th, 1818 Illegal sale of "840" acres December 14th, 1824 New York State enacted in 1790 with several amendments through to 1834 which states that "No purchase, grant, lease, m Additional 2,000 acres purchases 5,000 Current or other conveyance of land, or of any other title or claim thereto, from any Indian nation or tribe of more or less from the Illegal sales of the two purchased by NYS from acres and one mile Indians, shall be of any validity in law or equity, unless the same be made by treaty or convention "Indians" to the State of Hogansburg tracts to reservation the Indians (Illegally) square on the Salmon entered into pursuant the constitution. (Basically all land transactions with an Indian tribe are not legal New York New York State boundary line river from the "Indians" without the approval of the U.S. Congress) ** S o u r c es: U.S. Non-Intercourse Act L No.23-161s12,4 Stat 729,730 25 U.S.C. s177 "Dependent Resurvey of the St. Regis Indian Reservation, Franklin County, New York" Ledger notes, US Gov't Printing Office illegally Heating Assistance Update

By Compliance Staff

IHEAP (Low Income Heating Assistance be served first. The allotment was available beginning LProgram) Kenténha/October 1, 2012. The 2012-2013 LIHEAP Program will start up on Should there be any questions, individuals may November 19, 2012. The regular benefit amount will contact Sharon Thompson at the SRMT Food be: for fuel oil, kerosene, or propane -- $600. For wood, Distribution Office (518) 358 – 2272. coal or other deliverable fuel -- $500. For natural gas 2012-2013 Tribal Heating Assistance or electric -- $400. The regular benefit must be used to resolve any heating emergency issue before issuance of The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is currently working an emergency benefit. on an allotment of heating assistance to be distributed The emergency benefits amounts are as follows: in January 2012 to eligible households who have for oil, kerosene or propane -- $600. For wood, coal completed an application prior to the deadline. or other deliverable fuels -- $500. For heat-related The allotment for Tribal members residing within electric -- $160. For natural gas -- $400. For electric the jurisdiction of the SRMT (as defined by the heat -- $560. The applicant household must be in a Treaty of 1796) and utilizing a licensed SRMT home heat or heat related emergency situation as defined heating delivery service is still being determined. An by LIHEAP. An emergency is defined as: less than announcement is expected at the November Tribal ¼ tank of oil, kerosene or propane, less than a ten (10) Monthly meeting. day supply of other deliverable fuel, electric heat service that is terminated or scheduled for termination, and the In order to be eligible for the fuel allotment program, electric bill must be in the applicant’s name. Tribal members must be residing within the jurisdiction of the SRMT (as defined by the Treaty of 1796). The The following documentation is required: a current applicant must be responsible for the payment of the rent receipt with name and address, utility bill, driver’s households heating source account, must provide license, birth certificates/baptismal certificates – age their current Tribal identification card, two proofs of under 6 years/60 or older, Social Security cards, (a residency and the heating source account information valid social security number must be provided for all for a SRMT licensed home heating dealer or service household members), pay stubs, check(s) SS, SSI, VA, vendor. pensions and any unemployment benefit amount. For further information, please contact Sharon Thompson If finalized, applications may be completed at the or Lucy Barnes at 518-358-2272 extension 212. SRMT Compliance Department from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Food Distribution 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 2011-2012 Elders Allotment beginning Monday November 5, 2012 until Monday The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council has December 31, 2012. approved a 2012 allotment of three hundred and Should individuals have any questions, they may eighty-five dollars ($385.00) to applicants aged 55 contact the SRMT Compliance Department or Food and over who are already participating in the 2011- Distribution offices at (518) 358–2272. 2012 Tribal heating assistance program and continue to meet all the criteria as developed for the 2011-2012 The Tribe's website, Facebook site and CKON 97.3 heating program. This allocation is available from the FM provide the most current updates to deadlines and 2011-2012 Tribal Heating Assistance budget and it has availability of home heating fuel assistance. ◊ been determined that the eldest tribal members would

14 Let's Get Healthy! IHS Program Feature

By Kelly Jackson, Administrative Assistant and Cherie Pisnett, Diabetes Nurse Educator he month of November is dedicated to Diabetes Diabetes Center of Excellence. What was once a Awareness. We at the Let’s Get Healthy Program dream is now becoming a reality in the eyes of our staff areT aware every day about diabetes and how it impacts and our patients. We thank those who have contributed you and your family. As part of our to our building fund through many daily focus, we know how much we grants, golf tournaments, 7 Miles can help guide persons with diabetes for 7 Generations Walk-a-Thon and to a healthier state by working memorial contributions. together to prevent and/or delay The Let’s Get Healthy Program the complications of diabetes. We invites you to join us for a Diabetes also know it is important to help Extravaganza on November 9, 2012 all persons with diabetes and to to promote diabetes awareness and encourage family involvement in as Walking With the Geese on prevention. Community Services will much as possible with the daily hard provide information on managing choices one needs to act upon to stay the Tewathahita Walking Trail your diabetes, foot care, wound with a healthier mind, body and spirit. care, dental, nutrition, vision and There have been some changes many other topics. Also during the during this past year with our staff. extravaganza we will have guest We are saddened by loss of Rosemary speakers with lunch being provided. Bennett, Certified Diabetes Educator, The Extravaganza will be held at the who for many years brought smiles Let's Get Healthy Offices from 10:00 and hope to many of her patients. a.m. to 2:00 p.m. She is greatly missed by all those For any program needs or who came into contact with her. Learning to Cook Healthy Foods questions, we are located at the We welcome Cherie Bisnett, Nurse Akwesasne Housing Authority Educator, to our staff. She brings Training Center, 378 State Route 37, many years of nursing experience and is Akwesasne, NY or can be reached at ready to help you with your diabetes care. (518) 358-9667. We have made improvements to the supervised fitness room “Move for Cherie Bisnett, Diabetes Nurse Educator Health” (formerly known as Active Susan Gale, Nurse Case Manager Living Center), offering this program four days per week, Monday through Heather Pontius, Registered Dietitian Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Jamie Ross, Health Promotion Specialist Also provided are various group fitness classes for ages 18 years and up. Monthly Mera Faubert, Data Clerk Coordinator schedules are available at the Let’s Get Healthy Program for dates and times. Kelly Jackson, Administrative Assistant ◊ Keeping Fit in the "Move for The staff is very excited to announce Health" Center that construction has begun for the 15 USEPA Grasse River Proposed Remedy

By Jacob Terrance

he Grasse River Proposed slightly different ways. The length of Remedial Action Plan the site is broken up into transects, (PRAP)T was released by the USEPA each measuring .1 mile. With the on October 1, 2012. The PRAP is site starting at the Power Canal and a very important document in the ending at the confluence of the St. Grasse River cleanup. The main Lawrence River, the total length is objective of the PRAP is to announce 7.2 miles or 72 transects. With that to the public what USEPA plans to being said, in the main channel from do to remediate the Grasse River. Transect l to Transect 21, the proposed Over the years, many studies were plan calls for armor capping. conducted within the Grasse River to determine how to clean up the river. Armor capping is a type of cap After much analysis and monitoring, that uses a clean sediment base layer ten remedial options were formed. on top of the contaminated sediment Numerous variables and factors had with an added layer of gravel on top to be considered and accounted for of that and layer of armor stones each viable option. (cobbles) on the very top. This type of capping is believed to help defend The USEPA chose a remedial against ice scour and ice jams, but proposal in which any sediment with no real world evidence supports that a concentration greater than one mg/ claim. The rest of the site, Transect 21 kg (or ppm) would be either dredged to Transect 72 in the main channel, or capped. There are two different Model of Armor Cap will be capped with a one foot of zones that will be clean sediment layer. handled differently: The total projected the first is the near- cost for this remedial shore area (depth of alternative is about five feet of water or $243 million. less) and the second is the main channel. For The preceding the near-shore area, information describes the entire length of the only one alternative. site will be dredged and There are nine other then capped to grade options the USEPA (replaced with clean had to consider. Some sediment to the same are less protective slope before dredging). of human and The main channel will environmental health also be divided into Picture of 1995 Non Time Critical Removal and others are more two different zones Action Process protective of human that will be treated in and environmental 16 Map of Proposed Remedial Action Plan Remedy

health. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe believes that (518)358-5937 extension 135 between 8:00 a.m. and a more protective alternative should be utilized. More 4:00 p.m. or by email at [email protected]. main channel dredging must be performed in order to Digital copies of the PRAP are available online at the help reduce the amount of contamination left behind Tribe's website (www.srmt-nsn.gov), the Environment in the river. This is because dredging is the permanent Division's website (www.srmtenv.org) and on the Alcoa removal of contaminated sediments whereas caps are West website under the Superfund program menu. subject to failure and release of contaminants that will be left behind. All the alternatives are detailed in the The PRAP is merely a proposal and not the finalized P RA P. solution. The public comment period, from now until November 15, is an opportunity for the community Everyone who is interested in the Grasse River to voice their opinions and influence the final remedy remediation process should thoroughly read the PRAP. selection. A sample letter can be located on line at www. If questions or comments arise while reviewing the srmt-nsn.gov in the publications section. Individuals are PRAP, please contact USEPA and/or Jacob Terrance. encouraged to send written comments to Young Chang, The contact information for the appropriate USEPA EPA Remedial Project Manager, 290 Broadway, 20th personnel can be found within the PRAP or on their Floor, New York, NY 10007-1866. This will help to website, http://www.epa.gov/region2/superfund/npl/ relay the picture of a concerned and united community aluminumcompany. Jacob Terrance can be contacted at of Akwesasne. It is a chance for our voice to be heard and understood. ◊ 17 HEALTH INSURANCE

HIINFORMATION,ICAP COUNSELING & ASSISTANCE Part D Annual Enrollment Period

By Lora Lee LaFrance, Off ice for the Aging

eneficiaries can enroll, switch, or disenroll Plan-Reg 3, Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan, from a Medicare Part D plan anytime SilverScript Basic, SmartD Rx Saver, WellCare fromB November 15th to December 7th. You Classic. can make changes by calling Medicare at 1(800) MEDICARE, going on line to Medicare.gov, There are several plans not returning in 2013. calling a part D plan directly, or visiting the Read any notices you receive carefully. If your plan Akwesasne HIICAP office located at the Seniors is not returning, you will be randomly assigned to Center. new plan. It is your responsibility to ensure that you can afford the premium and that it covers New for 2013 all your prescriptions. Beneficiaries have until December 7th to make changes to their Part D Deductible for 2013 is $325. After the enrollment. deductible is met, the co-pays will be 25%. Some plans have smaller co-pays, check any notices EPIC is a pharmacy program that helps lower you receive. In the coverage gap or “donut hole” prescription costs for eligible NYS residents. beneficiaries will receive a 52.5% discount on EPIC benefits are changing in 2013. Notices brand name drugs and a 21% discount on generic have been mailed. If you are unsure how these drugs. changes will affect you, please call or contact your local HIICAP. If you receive help paying for your premiums, you will want to check that your plan is “benchmark”. For information and assistance about Medicare, If you are receiving help and your plan is NOT health insurance issues, or programs to help pay benchmark, you will be responsible for paying a for Medicare, contact the HIICAP office at (518) monthly premium. Benchmark Plans for 2013: 358-2834 or 2963. Aetna CVS/pharmacy Prescription Drug Plan, Cigna Medicare Rx Plan One, Envision RxPlus New York State does not endorse or recommend any silver, Express Scripts Medicare, First Health specific insurance product or insurer; this program is Part D Essentials, First United American-Select, solely to educate consumers about their choices. ◊ SmartSaver Rx, HealthSpring Prescription Drug

18 Shé:kon Akwesashró:non: We are writing directly to you to ask for your assistance in the area of safety for all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and utility-terrain vehicles (UTV). Recently we have had reports of community members having “near misses” with ATVs and UTVs while driving in their cars. We continue to strive to make Akwesasne a safe community and it is important to prevent accidents, injuries or worse. For that reason, we are starting a safety campaign for ATVs and UTVs. The campaign will stress the safe operation of ATVs and UTVs and enlist the community to help to prevent accidents. We ask that community members report to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police the unsafe operation of ATVs and UTVs. The list below describes unsafe operation: • Driver or passenger not wearing helmet • Driving at excessive speed or reckless driving • Passenger on a vehicle not designed for a passenger • More than one passenger • Not using a headlight or taillight at night • Driver or passenger under age 10 When contacting Tribal Police to report any unsafe ATV/UTV operation, please note the following: • The road or area of activity • A description of the vehicle • A description of the driver or passenger • The direction the vehicle is going The phone number for the Tribal Police is 518-358-9200. Please join us in keeping Akwesasne safe by helping to prevent accidents and injuries from the unsafe operation of ATVs and UTVs. Niá:wen, Niá:wen, Niá:wen,

Randy Hart Ron LaFrance Paul Thompson Tribal Chief Tribal Chief Tribal Chief

19 Monthly Tribal Meeting

Kenténha / October 5, 2012 Chaired by Chief Paul O. Thompson

Agenda Follow-up: A draft policy pertaining to employee domestic violence is currently being reviewed by 1. Introductions: Administration and a document is forthcoming. • Welcome 2. To speak with the Chief of Police and look into • Reading of Action Items - Tribal Clerk setting a policy into place RE: dangerous and violent 1. Quarterly Broadband Update offenders released back into the community. • Jason Hall Follow-up: Chief Hart spoke with the Chief of Police and he confirms that the police are made 2. Alcoa Grass River Renediation/Proposed EPA aware when offenders are released back to the Grasse River Cleanup community. There is currently no policy in place • Ken Jock for this situation but could be looked at as part of 3. Land Claim Update a residency law as this situation is not a criminal matter. The Legal Department prepared a letter to • Michele Mitchell respond to the community member who raised the 4. New Business concern to Tribal Council. 5. Reading of Action Items 3. To report on the lawsuits we have regarding the • Tribal Clerk land claims. 6. Adjournment Follow-up: A presentation will be made by General Counsel at the October Monthly Meeting. 4. To look into implementing a roving microphone Action Items from October Meeting system for the monthly meetings 1. Environment to prepare a letter for community Follow-up: The Public Information Office has members to sign and coordinate with Public Info received one quote for a new system, further quotes to get this information out there and encourage for lapel microphones are being sought as well a everyone to get letter to EPA. cost for an upgrade to the current system. 2. Start a Public Info campaign that shows Indian 5. To schedule a meeting regarding the reduction of character in the Hogansburg Triangle. fees for small business. 3. Prior to meeting with the Land Claims lawyer, have Follow-up: The Compliance Department will be an outline available with the current issues. present at October's Monthly Meeting and will 4. Summary presentation on history of membership speak to this request. since 1986 referendum. 6. To look into the personnel policy regarding the 6 Follow-up on Action Items from September Meeting week maternity leave for tribal and casino employees. 1. To review what has been signed in regards to Follow-up: The Human Resources Director will "Zero Tolerance" and report back at next month's provide a verbal report on this issue as well a written meetings. report will be available at the October Monthly Meeting. ◊

20 Calendar Kentenhkó:wa / November 3 - Monthly Tribal Meeting - 10:00 a.m. - Community Building lobby 9 - Diabetes Extravaganza - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Let's Get Healthy office 12 - Veteran's Day holiday - Tribal offices and transfer station closed 13 - Social Security Administration - 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Tribal Clerk’s office 22 - Thanksgiving Day holiday - Tribal offices and transfer station closed 23 - Native American Day holiday - Tribal offices closed, transfer station open

Tuesdays - Tribal Council Work Sessions - 9:00 a.m. - Tribal Council Boardroom New Faces

Tsiorasa Barreiro Administration Executive Director Krista Natasha Bigtree Administration - Maintenance Custodian Ashley Cumming Education - JOM Education Specialist Andrew Herne Administration - Maintenance Custodian Georgina L Mitchell Compliance Compliance Inspector Katsitsoronkwas Thompson Early Childhood Development Teacher Aide Sabrina Thompson-Buckshot Early Childhood Development Teacher Aide Elizabeth A White Education - JOM Education Specialist Giving Back

Sports Events - $ 4,500 Funeral - $ 500 Community Events - $ 2,250 Jobs

Executive Director of Education - Education All current positions with the Saint Regis Mohawk Sexual Assault Advocate - Three Sisters Program - Tribe are posted on the Tribe's website at : Social Services Division www.srmt-nsn.gov. Health Promotion Specialist - Let's Get Healthy Positions with our gaming operations are posted on Program - IHS the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino's website at: www. mohawkcasino.com.

21 Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Receives Favorable Land Claims Ruling

Press Release

n Friday September 28, 2012 Magistrate should not adopt her reasoning. Another round of Judge Dancks of the Northern District briefs will be filed resulting in a decision by Judge of ONew York refused to dismiss the Saint Regis Kahn. This could take six months or more if the Mohawk Tribe’s claim to the Hogansburg Triangle. parties receive extensions or the judge does not rule The Mohawks faced a huge hurdle since all other quickly. “We will pursue any and all alternatives to land claims had been dismissed in New York in total. re-acquire our territory for our future generations,” With the help of an expert, the tribe had presented affirmed Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance. census data showing that the area is primarily inhabited by Mohawks, which Dancks relied on If Judge Kahn accepts the recommended in her ruling. The decision, two outcomes are possible. The parties defendants, New would now have to York State et al, failed litigate the merits to show that the claim of the Hogansburg area has a distinctly Triangle claim or, non-Indian character the defendants could a key factor leading ask him to certify his to the dismissal in decision for an appeal the other land claims. to the Second Circuit Since they failed to Court. This process meet this burden of will determine how proof, she denied the the case will proceed motion to dismiss – on the merits of the tribe’s claim for the land claim for the the Hogansburg The "Hogansburg Triangle" Hogansburg Triangle Triangle. “Our case or as an appeal to for the Hogansburg the Second Circuit Triangle has not been Court. dismissed and we will continue to litigate and fight Dancks dismissed the claim for all other areas to get our land back for as long as it takes,” said such as the islands, including Barnhart Island. She Randy Hart, Tribal Chief. declined to consider evidence such as affidavits or Dancks’ recommendation will now go to Senior the use and history of the islands. Tribal Chief Paul Judge Kahn* of the Northern District of New York Thompson said, “This is far from over and we’re for review. Both the tribe and the defendants have happy that we’ve won one battle in this long war.” 14 days to file objections. Either party can argue that * Judge McCurn Replaced by Judge Kahn ◊ the Magistrate Dancks erred and that Judge Kahn

22 Sportman Education in Akwesasne

By Les Benedict

he New York State Sportsman Education who desire to take it. The summer months provide Program was delivered in Akwesasne on an excellent opportunity to youth to take the course Seskeha/AugustT 17 and Seskehko:wa/September 21, because they are not in school. 2012. A total of 21 attendees received their Hunter A hunter education course is required for ALL new Education certificate following a six hour “field day” hunters applying for a license in New York State. If with hands-on training and examination. Hunter you plan to hunt in another state, you should know Education traditionally has been a two-day course that many states will NOT accept your New consisting of a total of 10 hours. The two York State hunting license to obtain a courses offered in Akwesasne were the license in that state. Instead, you will home-study version of the training. need to produce and carry a hunter The home-study Hunter education certificate. Visit the Education program allows International Hunter Education participants to learn material Association web site (http://ihea- on their own that would usa.org) to find hunter education otherwise require additional information for other states and classroom instruction. Guide provinces as the requirements books and work books are vary by state and province. provided for home study. All courses are free, offered Work books must be completed by the NYSDEC Sportsman to be admitted on the day of the Education Programs are supported course. New to the program is an in part by Federal Aid in Wildlife internet based home study course for Restoration, funded by your purchases which participants can receive credit for of hunting equipment. Additional funding to take the six-hour field day course. The web comes from sales of hunting and trapping licenses. course, Introduction to Hunter Education, is found at Hunters and trappers pay for sportsman education and http://homestudy.ihea.com. In this case, the internet wildlife conservation. quiz reports are to be turned in the day of the course in order to be admitted. The remaining material is The minimum age for taking the course is 11 years hands-on instruction with real firearms (live fire if a and the minimum age for a license is 12 years. Equal range is available) and dummy ammunition through opportunity to participate in and benefit from Hunter skills exercises and demonstrations followed by an Education programs is available to all individuals exam. The field day provides students to demonstrate without regard to their race, color, national origin, sex, proper attitude and safety: all requirements to receive a age or disability. certificate. The participation has been good and has received The program was administered by volunteer excellent community support. Many thanks to the educators Les Benedict and Angela Benedict-Dunn. Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department Les has been an instructor for 10 years and Angela Station 1 for donating the use of their training room recently was evaluated and qualified to receive her for the training. Niá:wen/Thank you! Also, Niá:wen/ instructor certification. Both instructors have made it Thank you to Teres Seymour at Environment who took a priority to deliver the training in Akwesasne to those registrations for the classes. ◊ 23 Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Solid Waste Program Presents Akwesasne Recycles Day Friday, Kentenhkó:wa / November 16, 2012 Learn about the benefits of recycling and resources available to our community

First Appearance by Demonstrations Kwis & Tiio Door prizes Displays Tours

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the SRMT Transfer Station 179 County Route 43, Ft. Covington, NY 518-358-4632

ECRWSS Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe PRSRT STD 412 State Route 37 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Akwesasne, NY 13655 MAILED FROM ZIP CODE 13655 PERMIT NO. 26

POSTAL PATRON