AKWESASNE NOTES AKWESASNE NOTES
Kahniakehaka Nation Territory Mohawk Nation Territory
PO Box 196 PO Box 30
Rooseveltown NY 13683-0196 St Regis Quebec H0M 1A0
(518) 358-9531 or 9535 (613) 575-2063
Fax: (613) 575-2935
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AKWESASNE NOTES PHILOSOPHY
AKWESASNE NOTES is the official publication of the Mohawk Nation
Council. As such, it naturally reflects and adheres to the
teachings, values and philosophies of the Rotinonshonni or Iroquois
people. The Kaianerekowa or Great Law of Peace provides the primary
guiding principles that are reflected in AKWESASNE NOTES.
It is among the most cherished teachings of the Iroquois people, that
all peoples of the earth are entitled by right of birth, to exist as
diverse and distinct cultures. Rotinonshonni people, are taught
that conformity is not a prerequisite to unity among peoples,
communities or nations.
We are taught that ignorance and arrogance are the characteristics
that breed greed, and that actions of superiority over others are
those characteristics that disrupt unity and create conflict.
We are taught that diversity of cultures, and all that the Creator
has made, is where we will find strength and inspiration in this
world.
We are taught that all of Creation must be allowed to follow the
instructions that were given by the Creator when their time began.
We are taught that it is our common struggle for survival and the
health of our mother the earth that should concern us and unite us
in this day and age.
We are taught that world peace, the peace among nations, within
nations and within communities can only happen with the respect of
basic human rights, for the earth, and for all of creation.
We are taught that the conscious application of human values to
man-made technologies must occur in order to harmonize and balance
ourselves within creation.
Despite those elements which factionalize peoples of the world, we
are taught to strive to keep reasonable minds and good intentions
toward others and use our good minds in mediating our affairs
between one another.
With this in mind, AKWESASNE NOTES is compelled out of its sense of
responsibility to support and express unity and solidarity with all
Indigenous and Natural peoples, their friends and supporters and all
those people of the earth who struggle for survival, cultural
self-determination, and the exercise of basic human and inherent
rights. To this end, AKWESASNE NOTES is ever vigilant in the search
for tools and methods which truly empower the people to help
themselves within the margins of our planetary conservation
philosophy.
AKWESASNE NOTES allows its pages to be the forum for the exchange of
native thoughts, ideas, concerns, and creative expression.
AKWESASNE NOTES has allowed small, humble and weakening voices to be
amplified and heard by those who might be concerned and be of some
help. AKWESASNE NOTES will continue to be this vehicle to the best
of its collective ability.
In the spirit of unity and diversity, we greet the people and
welcome you to speak.
To ne tho.
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"When we walk upon Mother Earth, we always plant our feet carefully
because we know the faces of our future generations are looking
up at us from beneath the ground. We never forget them."
-Oren Lyons, Onondaga Nation
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Michele Lord mosa@netcom.com
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