By Doug George-Kanentiio©
News From Indian Country 11-09

Over two hundred years after his death and Joseph Brant continues to  spark controversy.

Was this Wolf Clan Mohawk a patriot or a crook? A respected leader or  an opportunist?

Among the Mohawks of Akwesasne his name is spoken with spite for he was the person who signed away our ancestral lands to the Americans, giving away millions of acres of territory for a few thousand dollars which he  conveniently pocketed, claiming it was for damages he suffered during  the American Revolution.

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Sioux Falls, South Dakota (AP) 11-09

A federal appeals court says it won’t review failed appeals by government prosecutors who want to try a Canadian man for a 1975 slaying on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

John Graham of the Yukon territory in Canada is one of two men charged in federal court in the killing of Annie Mae Aquash. Prosecutors say American Indian Movement leaders suspected that Aquash was a government informant and ordered her to be killed.

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By Christine Graef
Akwesasne, Ontario (NFIC) 11-09

Youth Flame Attendant Aronhiaies Herne with members of the Akwesasne Olympic Torch Committee

When the torch is lit before the XXI Olympic Winter Games begin in Vancouver on February 12, the hearts of Akwesasne Mohawk will be thinking of three men from their community who guided and protected its journey there.

Elder and faithkeeper Howard Iothore Thompson will greet the flame when it reaches the Kahwehnoke, also called Cornwall Island. Mike Benedict Jr. will be the community torchbearer. Aronhiaies (Sky Striker) Herne, a 23-year-old Bear Clan Mohawk was selected as one of 11 Aboriginal youths to run with the Olympic Flame on its three shifts across the 45,000 kilometers across Canada.

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