Sha'tekayenton Andrew Brant
Kanyen'keha:ka, Turtle Clan
The following articles have been collected to show the work I have been doing in the public eye for the past few years. I was raised traditionally under the teachings of Kayanere'kowa (Great Law of Peace) and named during the Mid-winter ceremony as a toddler by Delia Cook, Ayonwatha Clan Mother. Raised briefly between Six Nations and Thunder Bay as a child, I was able to attend Mohawk immersion school while visiting family in Kenhte:ke when possible. I've spent the majority of my life living on my home territory, but taking the chances to travel and learn across Turtle Island. Although, I have lived the majority of my life in Tyendinaga since I was 11 years old; I now 35.
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Before my first protest which was against the Napanee dump expansion, I sat and trained/learned from Elders across the Confederacy. I would do different opening ceremonies, such as ground breaking for a new subdivision or Youth Awards in Belleville, Ontario. These Elders would help me hone in on my spiritual gifts while learning different practices and ceremonies to take care of the dead.
I graduated from the Shatiwennakara:tats course in 2010 and began teaching at Ohahase Education Centre that same year, teaching a wide range of subjects including Kanyen'keha (Mohawk) language, Indigenous studies, drama, physical education, Canadian history, careers and civics. I also sat on the board of directors for Tsi Tyonnheht Onkwawenna Language and Culture Circle which enabled me to help expand the language program, and take part in Sweetgrass Language Conferences. This was a unique opportunity for me as I was able to attend as both an educator and administrator.
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While an educator with Ohahase I was able to arrange a trip for the students to visit Fort Hunter and stay at Kanatsiohare:ke. The visit included stops at Indian Ladder, the washing pots, Howe's Caverns, the Iroquois Museum, and several other places. During my time there I was able to establish a relationship with Young Imaginations in Picton, Ontario, where the students put on a dramatic retelling of the War of 1812 using tableau and social dance songs.
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These classes extended into workshops for youth at the Trenton Library where arts and crafts along with music and drama would be used to tell different stories, such as the Creation Story. I took my experiences of listening to elders and warriors speak, most memorably for me would be Caledonia, Ontario, and instilled it into the teachings I passed on. This to me ensured our oral tradition lived on, along with the spirit of the people who told the stories.
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After the police shut the railways down and everything calmed down in Tyendinaga, i decided not to renew my contract as a teacher with the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and started CME Indigenous Media. The goal has to provide decolonization programming and solutions, and in the past two years with amazing people who have come and gone I have been able to do just that. None of it would be possible without the support of my wife, Renee.
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In this time since 2020, we have been able to establish Two Row Coffee & Tea Company which provides fresh roasted, certified organic, fair trade coffee named after the founders of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Our teas are all certified organic and have cultural significance, such as Elderberry and New York Apple Spice.
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We have been able to establish the Kenhte:ke Kanyen'keha:ka Food Sovereignty Project and secure a $17,000CAD grant. There have been seven podcasts, and two more new shows coming up in an attempt to flood the mainstream with Indigenous content. Don't Whistle at Night and Indigenous Paranormal are both historically based and researched through the Kenhte:ke Paranormal Society, which I recently established.
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As a language teacher with a diploma in Kanyen'keha from Trent University I am always taking courses to refresh and expand my knowledge. I am currently conducting online classes through the Aboriginal Health Centre in Brantford, Ontario and through CME Indigenous Media. While continuing education and classroom teaching I have also found time to run cultural youth summer camps through First Nations Technical Institute and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.
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After 20 years of experience and learning, I am ready to pass on the things I was taught while building on them. We are always learning, and anyone who says otherwise has a lot more lessons ahead. I look forward to joining you and your group at your decolonized event.
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History of the Two Row Wampum
The Kanyen’kehà:ka, or Mohawk People, are the Keepers of the Eastern Door of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. It is their responsibility to notify the rest of the Nations if there is anything or anyone approaching from the eastern territories of the Confederacy that may affect the Kayanere’kowa, or Great Law of Peace.
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When the Kanyen’kehaka saw an encroaching settlement, they sent runners to the Onondaga Nation, who are the Firekeepers of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, to notify them of strangers approaching the land. With them, the new coming settlers had their families and were destructive to our “rooms”, or land.
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02
Unforgettable Cultural Experiences in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory on the Bay of Quinte
Walleye, stone carvings, and tiny cabins are waiting to be discovered at this waterfront destination just two hours east of Toronto.
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The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte take pride in carrying on the tradition of their ancestors—and a visit here is a chance to experience Mohawk culture through cuisine, art, and entrepreneurship. No matter where you explore on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory you will leave with a story.
Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit.
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03
After 14 years, boil water advisory lifted for most in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
For the past 14 years, Andrew Brant and many others on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory have had to haul all their water to their homes one jug at a time.
His arms, and those of most fellow residents, will get a well-deserved break as the southeastern Ontario First Nation west of Kingston lifted five long-term water advisories on March 28 as they expanded connections to a new water treatment plant.
The advisories had been in place since 2008.
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04
‘I remember the violence’: Going back 2 years to the Tyendinaga blockade
It was two years ago that the Ontario Provincial Police moved in on protestors set up alongside the Canadian National Rail lines in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
The rail side encampment between Toronto and Montreal was set up by a group of Mohawks in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en territory following a police raid.
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05
Andrew Brant on National Post Radio
Mohawk Warrior and one of the organizers of the Tyendinaga protest Andrew Brant joined Host Anthony Furey to share his perspective on the rail line protest.
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06
OPP dismantles Tyendinaga blockade, some demonstrators taken into custody
TORONTO -- Several people were taken into custody Monday as police moved in and began dismantling a blockade near Belleville, Ont., sparking condemnation from the Mohawk of Tyendinaga.
A stream of police cruisers, vans, unmarked vehicles, and dozens of officers, including some wearing what appeared to be tactical gear were seen flooding the Mohawk blockade shortly after 8:00 a.m. EST. Some demonstrators scuffled with officers before being taken away and an ambulance was seen leaving the area, although it was unclear what kind of injury may have been sustained.
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07
Food Sovereignty Project in its Growing Stage
TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY – A small table sits roadside in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, just along York Road past the township offices. On it sits piles of freshly picked fruits and vegetables. If you drive by too quickly, or possibly even blink, you might miss it.
That’s because, the Kenhte:ke Kanyen’keha:ka Food Sovereignty Project, much like its roadside offerings, is in what you could call the growing stage.
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08
All in a day with alan neal - andrew brant, guest
CBC Radio's All In A Day is Ottawa's number one afternoon drive program -- and covers all of Eastern Ontario and West Quebec. Join Alan Neal each weekday for a fresh take on the news you need to know, regular weather and traffic updates, an overview of the best cultural events the area has to offer, and insightful interviews with politicians, musicians, thinkers and more.
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09
Sit ins and demonstrations continue in support of Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs
People acting in solidarity with hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en Nation continue disrupting and blocking infrastructure across Canada amid ongoing sit ins and demonstrations.
This is the fifth day of protests and the fifth day of RCMP operations in British Columbia.
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BONOKOSKI:
Major rail lines blocked over protest 4,000 kilometres away
Toronto SUN - Publishing date: Feb 12, 2020
A big, honkin’ dump truck with a massive snow-plow blade is still blocking the main CNR tracks at the midway mark between Toronto and Montreal, manned by protesters from the nearby Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
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11
Exclusive – Native Protest Has Evolved Into Stopping Colonialism
A Native protest that started out as a act of solidarity for the Wet’suwet’en people has evolved into something more in Tyendinaga.
The protest at the CN Rail railway crossing on Wyman Road in Tyendinaga Township started on Thursday, February 6, 2020.
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12
OPP arrest protesters while removing rail blockades on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
OTTAWA—After a dramatic day of police action against the Tyendinaga Mohawk blockade, the country appears no closer to resolving a political crisis that has halted rail transport across the nation and shaken the Liberal government’s efforts towards Indigenous reconciliation.
The focus has once again shifted west, where Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs were poised to meet on the continuing dispute over the Coastal GasLink pipeline. Federal ministers repeated their appeal for direct dialogue on Monday, and expressed hope that the chiefs would finally come to the table after RCMP in British Columbia agreed to reduce their presence on Wet’suwet’en traditional territory.
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13
Tyendinaga Mohawk Police Chief urges protesters to clear blockade site
Tyendinaga Mohawk Police Chief Jason Brant made an emotional plea Wednesday morning asking protesters to stand down from a blockade site in Belleville, Ont.
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14
First Nation Personal Development Bursary
As Chair of the First Nations Community Partnership Committee, Birgit Wartenberg was pleased to introduce Andrew Brant from Tyendinaga as this year's bursary recipient (pictured left to right, President Kelly McKinney, Birgit Wartenberg and Andrew Brant). Andrew is married to Renee, a guest at the Club today and they have a two year old daughter. Andrew has a diploma in the Mohawk language through Trent University and Tsi Tyonnheht Onkwawenna Language and Culture Circle (TTO).
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