98th annual border crossing in Niagara Falls goes off without a hitch
Despite a tense year between Canada and the United States, the Indian Defense League of America’s 98th Jay Treaty Border Crossing Celebration of Rights went off without a hitch last weekend.
Following a crossing of the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls on July 19th, hundreds gathered at Oakes Park to celebrate Indigenous culture and the centuries-old Jay Treaty, which stipulates free passage for Indigenous people between Canada and the United States.
The IDLA said it is building its profile and expectations leading into its 100th anniversary in two years.
Also at the celebration, Miss Six Nations Huntre Jamieson was chosen as this year’s Miss Indian Defence League of America Ambassador.
“I’m so honoured to
have been awarded the Miss Indian Defence League of America Ambassador title today,” she said. “I would firstly like to congratulate my fellow contestants. Nía:wen for sharing your messages. You all did so well!”
She continued, “Through my next journey of ambassadorship, I will continue to remind not just Haudenosaunee people but the collective of Onkwehonwe that our sovereignty is something we carry every day. It lives in our languages, our ceremonies, our traditional laws, and in the way we uplift one another as nations. Along with continuing to encourage our people to continue learning the treaties that protect us, living the responsibilities we carry, and committing to the unity we must continue to build — across nations, across generations, and across borders.
“I stand here now as Miss IDLA and Miss Six Nations. I am further
committed to carrying our message forward. I believe that through knowledge, unity, and pride in who we are, we can continue to protect our onkwehonweneha, our original ways of life — not only at this border, but in every space we walk.
We were here before the treaties.
We were here before the border.
And we will be here long after.”
The league is an organization comprised entirely of North American Indigenous people, who have dedicated themselves to the service and welfare of all Indigenous people.
The league says it intends to defend and maintain the rights and privileges of Indigenous people and intends to unite all Indigenous people under one organization, as well as to perpetuate and preserve their posterity as a nationality and as a sovereign people.
Shirley Squire, a committee member for the
annual border crossing celebration, said:
“I would like to thank everyone that attended the event for fighting for the line. It was great seeing all the people who attended. I would like to thank all of the workers who work year round to make this event happen. It wouldn’t be possible without all of you who helped. Thank you to people and businesses for the donations. With your generosity the event was able to be enjoyable and fun. Thank you to the Creator for such a great weather day. Thanks to our main speaker for a very knowledgeable talk. No matter how hard we work there is always a couple of bumps along the way but we just ride over them. I would also like to thank the allies from the bridge commission for their work. See you all next year and please come attend meetings with your suggestions and offers of help to make it even bigger.”
"We were here before the treaties. We were here before the border. And we will be here long after,” said Miss Six Nations Huntre Jamieson who was chosen as this year’s Miss Indian Defence League of America Ambassador. YUMA DEAN HESTER
chspc@sixnations.ca OHCIsixnations.ca
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation has started using their traditional language on road signage. ALEXANDER
In an effort to ease Manitoba's First Nation evacuees ' ongoing displacement from their home territories due to wildfires, we are welcoming them to Six Nations to share food, our culture and community spaces, and to help uplift them during this stressful time They will be visiting our community on from Tuesday, July 29, 10am-4pm.
In the spirit of peace and friendship, we will be collecting donations to assist those who have lost so much due to the wildfires that ravaged their communities We will be accepting personal hygiene items, as well as gentlyused clean clothing for donation be dropped off behind the Community Hall (1738 Fourth Line) at the following times: Donations can
July 24: 4-6pm | July 25: 11am-1pm
Six Nations Community Trust re-invests about $800k annually
By Donna Duric
The Six Nations Community Development Trust hands out $800,000 annually and is still sitting on its original $17 million principal balance from its inception over 20 years ago.
During an update at Six Nations of the Grand River’s Elected Council general finance meeting on Monday, trust Chair Kevin Martin said the principal is to remain untouched and only the interest earned on that is dispersed to the
community every year.
The SNCDT agreement was finalized in 2004 using initial funds from Casino Rama, which later turned into the Ontario First Nations Limited Partnership.
In July 2003, elected council at the time formally approved a transfer of $16 million to the Trust.
The principal is never spent, only the interest, said Martin.
The Trust’s vision is to ensure the health and self-sufficiency of the community and to improve
the quality of life for Six Nations people.
The SNCDT has seven trustees; three are on-reserve community members, two are elected councillors and one is an independent trustee. There is also an off-reserve community member on the board.
Every year, the Trust makes a call for applications which are due on the last business day in June annually.
Successful applicants are notified in November be-
fore receiving their funding.
The money is meant for Six Nations band members or organizations that have Six Nations board members and have a “significant impact” on Six Nations.
The organization must benefit the community in some way, such as cultural development or education and health, the general finance committee heard.
Applicants are notified by the end of November if they received the funding or not
In the past 21 years
since its inception, the Trust has approved $21 million for hundreds of community members and organizations.
Roughly $9 million has gone to elected council, and $11 million to the community.
The Trust has received $22 million in investments since its inception.
It disperses only the interest received on its $17 million in principal, roughly about $800,000 a year.
The Trust usually gets a five percent return on
their investments annually, the finance committee heard, and it invests in medium-risk stocks with Scotiabank.
The trust agreement lasts until the last person who was born in 2004 passes away.
The trust meant to be there so people’s grandkids and great grandkids could benefit from it, said Martin.
That’s why they don’t spend the principal, only the interest, he said.
Oh Is It? Film, entertainment and social media
SummerSeries in Trillium Park at Ontario Place Welcomes `Indigenous Sounds Now’ - Sun. July 27, 2025. `Indigenous Sounds Now’, part of SummerSeries in Trillium Park at Ontario Place, amplifies the voices of Indigenous
Cree Nations. With a sonically diverse line-up of Indigenous musicians and JUNO Award nominees, Indigenous Sounds Now delivers a fusion of Indigenous culture with pop, blues, roots, and rock. Be sure to join us as we listen and dance to this wonderful Indigenous musical mosaic.
Performances by Adrian Sutherland, Murray
SAUGA, and Host Donna Sound. For bio info, please go to: https://ontarioplace.com/en/indigenous-sounds-now/
All events are free and take place in Trillium Park at Ontario Place. For more information, visit the SummerSeries in Trillium Park page.
Also happening this summer is Yoga in Trillium Park, with a series of free outdoor yoga classes Saturdays and Sundays
from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. running from June 7 until September 28, 2025. For schedule details visit the Yoga in Trillium Park page.
What: SummerSeries in Trillium Park welcomes `Indigenous Sounds Now’ Where: Trillium Park, Ontario Place (For details on how to access Trillium Park, please go to the How To Get Here page)
When: Sunday, July 27, 2025
Curated by: Elaine
Bomberry
Schedule for Sunday, July 27, 2025: Yoga in Trillium Park: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
`Indigenous Sounds Now’:
4:05 p.m. - DJ MR.
SAUGA
5:25 p.m. - Zeegwon Shilling
6:30 p.m. - Lacey Hill
7:35 p.m. - Murray Porter
8:45 p.m. - Adrian Sutherland
For more information, visit the SummerSeries in Trillium Park page. Follow Ontario Place on Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, X Hashtags: #SummerSeriesTP #TrilliumPark MEDIA INQUIRIES For media inquiries about SummerSeries in Trillium Park at Ontario Place, please contact: Changemakers, Gail McInnes: gail.mcinnes@ thechangemakers.com
Jace Koblun
It was a Motown and disco night at Theature Aquarius in Hamilton on Saturday. Honouring excellence - A night with the Canadian Academy Orchestra of Canada rocks with the band Jeans and Classics who covered songs by artists such as Marvin Gaye, The BeeGees, . PHOTO BY X
(HIGH-PITCHED VOICE)
Celebrating Indigeneity: A Look at the 2025 Powwow Season
By 2RT Staff
As the vibrant colors of summer begin to paint the landscape, Indigenous communities across Turtle Island are gearing up for one of the most significant cultural events of the year: the powwow. More than just a festival, a powwow is a celebration of life, a reaffirmation of identity, and a gathering of relatives both old and new. The 2025 powwow season at Grand River promises to be a spectacular competition of Indigenous singing and dance.
Powwows are deeply rooted in history, evolving from traditional ceremonies and gatherings to cultural exhibitions. Today, they serve as vital spaces for cultural preservation, where songs, dances, and stories are passed down through generations. The air is filled with the rhythmic beat of drums, the melodic voices of singers, and the dazzling movement of dancers in full
regalia. Each dance tells a story and every moment is a testament to the enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples.
For those planning to attend a powwow in 2025, remember that some of these moments are sacred and should be approached with respect. Dress for the weather, listen attentively, and ask questions respectfully. Experience the
cuisine and visit the vendor booths. Do not touch a dancer's regalia without permission, and always follow the instructions of the event organizers. By honoring these customs, you not only show respect for Indigenous cultures but also enrich your own understanding and appreciation of these vibrant traditions. The 2025 powwow season is
Six Nations of the Grand River
Elected Council sends well wishes to everyone attending the Pow Wow. Whether you are a community member or visiting Six Nations for the first time, we hope that everyone has a fantastic weekend.
an opportunity to witness the beauty and strength of Indigenous culture firsthand.
If you are headed to Six Nations for the powwow this weekend (and you should) then you will hear the weekend’s Emcees use some key terms that as a visitor you may not understand. Here is a handy little terminology guide to help give you insight into what’s happening.
Drum Tent - This area is only for registered drummers, the judges, emcee’s, elders and other pow wow officials.
The Dance Arenaalso referred to as “the circle”. This area is considered blessed and sacred once Grand Entry and Invocation prayers are completed. Only competing dancers enter the circle with the exception of Intertribals or other special dances where people from all nations are invited out to dance together.
Emcee’s Area - Emcee-ing a pow-wow is a
very special job as the person elected has to have full knowledge of powwow protocols, knowledge of the ceremonies and traditions, dance or drumming experience and be entertaining at the same time. The Emcee will announce the contests coming up, explain protocol to visitors, and typically keep everybody laughing throughout the weekend.
Elders seating area - Special seating for the elderly and disabled. Please keep pathways around this area clear for elders and disabled visitors to walk safely through.
The Eagle StaffUsually a large cane shaped staff owned by the pow-wow committee/ community that has eagle feathers tied to it. The feathers typically represent a person who has passed on that meant a great deal to the community - a national “flag” of the host community so to speak.
The Pole - After Grand Entry, the Eagle Staff is tied to the centre pole for the duration of the contest. It is “retired” or brought off the pole when the contests have finished and is re-posted at the end of every Grand Entry for the duration of the powwow.
The Bleachers - get a great view from all angles in the comfy bleachers. If you brought a lawn chair of your own there is a space for that as well.
Food Vendors - This year there are tons of options; offering various pow-wow treats from Indian Tacos to fruit salad. It’s all tasty, so don’t be afraid to try a little bit of everything.
Indigenous Arts and Craft Vendors - All vendors at the powwow are confirmed to be actual Indigenous people selling authentic wares. Make sure you tour about and pick up some authentic Indigenous made artwork.
The 2025 powwow season is an opportunity to witness the beauty and strength of Indigenous culture firsthand. LAFORCE
For information on how to purchase tickets please email the office at Shanda@dcfund.ca, or stop at the office in person at the Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation Office located at 3201 2nd Line, Hagersville, ON Must be 18 years and older Six
-
Welcome to all “Champion of Champions” Grand River Pow Wow 2025 Dancers
Treaty Chiefs demand respect and call for withdrawal of Bill C-5
By 2RT Staff
Robinson Huron Treaty Territory — A strong delegation of Robinson Huron Treaty (RHT) Chiefs and representatives, including spokespeople Dean Sayers and Chief Scott McLeod, attended the First Nation Summit 2025 in Gatineau yesterday.
“As the agenda unfolded, it became clear this wasn’t about true partnership,” said Dean Sayers, spokesperson for the Robinson Huron Treaty Chiefs and member of the Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin Political Working Group. “It was about legitimizing decisions already made. Bill C-5 is an attempt to validate Canada’s theft of our resources. You cannot engage us after the legislation is passed. That is not consultation — that is colonization dressed in policy language.”
Chief Scott McLeod, Lake Huron Regional Chief of the Anishinabek Nation reinforced the position of the RHT leadership,
stating, “We are open for business — but it must be on our terms, through our processes, and with our permission. The Robinson Huron Treaty is a living agreement. Our authority and responsibilities stem from the Gichimanidoo, not from the Crown.”
The Robinson Huron Treaty Chiefs remain steadfast in their commitment to uphold and defend the Robinson Huron Treaty Declaration, which reaffirms:
· The inherent responsibilities and jurisdiction given by the Gichimanidoo (Creator) over the land (Kidaklimnaan) and all within it;
· The right to self-determination (Debendiziwin), which cannot be altered or taken away by any foreign government or colonial institution;
· The existence of legitimate Anishinaabe governance over our lands, communities, and resources since time immemorial — long before contact with colonizers.
The legislation would weaken environmental protections and limit First Nations’ rights to consultation and consent for major infrastructure projects. It will grant the federal government broad powers to fast-track development, potentially bypassing environmental assessments and other safeguards, a move that threatens not only First Nation sovereignty and land stewardship, but also the ecological integrity of our territories.
“Canada cannot fulfill its Treaty obligations by lumping diverse Nations under a single flawed process. We are diverse as First Nation peoples. Consultation is not our process - permission is,” continued Sayers.
Chiefs also expressed deep concern over the structure of the summit, where more than 600 First Nations leaders were forced to compete for speaking time, diluting the voices of those with legitimate and pressing concerns.
SPORTS
know the score.
Sports Column: From the Cheap Seats with Jim Windle
It’s going to be up to the big boys to bring a 2025 National lacrosse trophy home to Six Nations after the Jr. C, Stealth, Jr. B, Rebels and Jr. A Arrows all bowed out early this year.
The good news is chances are pretty good that at least one of Six Nations’ Sr. teams will be up to the task. The Rivermen are as strong as I have ever seen them, and they are deep with talent.
Who they will face in the first round of playoffs is yet to be scheduled, but whoever it is, will definitely be the underdog. Thunder Hill leads the Rivermen with 41 goals and 34 assists for 77 points in his 16 games played, averaging 4.8 points per game. The support cast is an ensemble of talent that makes every Six Nations possession of the ball, dangerous.
The President’s Cup was last won by the Rivermen in 2019, and they would dearly love to bring it back to Six Nations.
This Cup will be played
for in the east this year with Brooklin hosting the event, beginning August 24th through August 30th. Last season it was the Ladner Pioneers who carried home the prize.
The President’s Cup is the National Senior B level box lacrosse championship for the Canadian Lacrosse Association. The annual championship awards Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.
It is in honour of the Canadian Lacrosse Association President and recognizes the contributions of all Past Presidents of the CLA. This beautiful silver trophy was donated to the Canadian Lacrosse Association in September 1964 by Mr. K.G. Thompson. The original Presidents Cup was retired to the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in New Westminster, BC in the early 1980's.
The current trophy commemorates the history of leadership of the CLA and lists the Presidents of the Association and the Chair
of the Board of Directors under the new structure of the CLA.
Now we have to talk about “my team”, the Six Nations Chiefs. I have followed the Chiefs for as long as they have existed and even sat as a vice-president on the board one year.
contested in the east this year, as is the Sr. B Presidents Cup.
St. Catharines drew the host selection for 2025 and will host all teams at the Meridian Centre sports complex. The event opens August 16th to August 23rd.
At the completion of the 2025 regular season, the Chiefs offence was powered by Josh Byre with 17 goals and 35 assists. Ryan Smith is next with 36 goals and 11 assists. From there, it looks like an all-star NLL team that will take the floor to represent the Six Nations Chiefs this year.
Jr. Lacrosse postmortem:
I believe we will see another “three-peat” Mann Cup winning team this season. If so, that would make nine Mann Cup wins in recent years, including 2023 and 2024.
The Chiefs seem to be chomping at the bit to get-er-done, with the advantage of the Cup being
I remember when I first started covering Jr. lacrosse here at Six Nations. It was a time when the Arrows and the Rebels were struggling. Not when it came to potential and raw talent, but the word was out that the best way to beat a Six Nations team as to get them mad. Unfortunately, that was all too easy
for many opponents with half the talent.
That bug-a-boo was turned around when Randy Chrysler came to coach the Arrows and demanded discipline from his players. The immediate reaction was not good. In fact, some future stars began pushing back at the whole concept of discipline on the sports field.
Eventually, the fruit began to blossom, and the Arrows started looking like Champions again. Even if thy fell short of the Minto that year, they seemed to accept that you can’t win a game from the penalty box. Soon, the Rebels were also keeping their cool more often and reaping the advantage of playing five-on-five lacrosse when you have that kind of raw talent.
I hate to say it, but I have noticed this season, especially among the Jr. ranks, that another shot of discipline may be in order before next year’s campaign.
The Chiefs seem to be chomping at the bit to get-er-done. FILE
SIX NATIONS COUNCIL
SIX NATIONS AND NEW CREDIT
To Mom and Dad
Mom, you left in 2018, Dad you left in 2023 it hasn’t gotten easier for me. I miss you both so much. The moment that you left me my heart split in two. One side filled with memories, the other died with you. I miss our times together talking and laughing.
Til I see you again. Love Candy & Family
Aug. 1-3:
On behalf of Avaleigh Bacon and Moriah Bacon, I would like to thank the Dreamcatcher Foundation for sponsoring them during this past skating season. Thanks to the Dreamcatcher Foundation, they were able to take skating lessons from skate Muskoka in Bracebridge. The season was a success, and they are looking forward to next season.
CLUES ACROSS
1. Pacific Standard Time
4. Extracts through heating and melting
10. Express delight
11. More curvy
12. Expression of uncertainty
14. Indicates before
15. Daughter of Hera and Zeus
16. Southwestern CA city
18. Unified
22. Less attractive
23. Base of jellies
24. A large and noisy party
26. He was traded for Luka
27. Wolverine genus
28. “Happy Days” actress Moran
30. Root of taro plant
31. Student environmental group (abbr.)
34. Silk garments
36. Unique power
37. Ray Liotta cop film
39. Leak slowly through
40. Notion
41. Atomic #55
42. Fixed in one place
48. About heat
50. Type of baseball pitch
51. Seedless raisin
52. Large wading birds
53. Similar
54. Time zone
55. Atomic #34
56. Program
58. Old world, new
59. Contrary belief
60. “To the __ degree”
CLUES DOWN
1. Plain-woven fabric
2. Classed
3. Suppositions
4. Midway between south and west
5. Tropical American trees
6. Leveled
7. Published false statement
8. Adolescent
9. Junior’s father
12. Aurochs
13. Not low
17. Boxing’s GOAT
19. Short musical composition
20. Small immature herrings
21. Eavesdropper
25. Parcels of land
29. Anger
31. Irritations
32. Hindu holy man
33. Wicker basket for fish
35. Natural object
38. Transporting in a vehicle
41. A dog is one
43. Smaller portion
44. Sew
45. Belonging to a thing
46. Horsley and Greenwood are two
47. Scottish language
49. Producer
56. Exclamation of surprise
57. Russian river
SUDOKU
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, the week kicks off with a surge of vitality and determination. You’re eager to take action, and the universe backs you. It’s a perfect week to push ahead with goals.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Creative energy flows in and a long-dormant idea may spark back to life, Taurus. You’re in the right mindset to pursue something artistic and innovative. Reconsider a refreshing hobby.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, you’re in your element this week and buzzing with charm and curiosity. Engaging conversations abound. Opportunities to connect, both socially and professionally, come easily.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, a small act of courage pays off in a big way, and you’ll find that trusting yourself leads to a fulfilling outcome this week. Embrace your instincts.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Love and joy surround you, and this week is ideal for connecting with someone special or deepening an important bond, Leo. Your heart feels open, and good things are flowing your way.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
A chance to help or support someone brings a deeper sense of purpose. Kindness flows easily from you now, Virgo, and the gratitude you receive in return is both touching and inspiring.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
This week your relationships are in harmony, Libra. You’re feeling strongly supported. Conversations flow with ease, and people are drawn to your warm personality.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
A milestone is within reach, and the progress you’ve made starts to emerge this week, Scorpio. Your persistence and inner fire have been guiding you forward.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, a fresh perspective allows you to release old worries or doubts. This is a week of clarity and growth during which inspiration meets personal freedom.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Practical matters — especially career or finances — are looking up, Capricorn. A smart decision made now could lead to something even better down the line.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you’ve had your eye on the prize for some time now, and the good news is that the finish line is within arm’s length. Stick with things for just a little longer.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, you have been making some changes this week. Your perspective and surroundings at home have changed. This can be a refreshing endeavor.
