May 28, 2003 — A complex deal between the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and Governor Pataki got its first public airing on the Akwesasne reservation last week. The pact covers land claims, casinos, and tax parity issues and must be approved by the tribe and a host of state and federal agencies. As David Sommerstein reports, public meetings were poorly attended despite the controversial deal and an upcoming tribal election.  Go to full article

May 26, 2003 — Last week an environmental conference on the Akwesasne Mohawk reservation featured a traditional dinner in honor of activist Katsi Cook. The menu included moose meatloaf, wild rice casserole, squash, corn meal cake with fresh strawberries, and, of course, native fry bread. David Sommerstein slipped into the kitchen while the cook was kneading the dough and has this audio profile.  Go to full article

May 22, 2003 — The announcement of a landmark deal between Governor Pataki and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is starting to sink in amongst the tribe's neighbors. The agreement addresses tax parity and casino issues. But in the areas around the Akwesasne reservation near Massena, the big news is a proposed settlement to the Mohawks' claim that New York illegally took 15,000 acres of land in the 18th century. Today non-native residents own that land near the St. Lawrence River in northern St. Lawrence and Franklin counties. As David Sommerstein reports, some people are taking things in stride; others with trepidation.  Go to full article

May 16, 2003 — Mohawk tribal chiefs spoke publicly yesterday for the first time since signing a landmark memorandum of understanding with Governor Pataki Monday. If it survives a long approval process, the deal would settle land claims, allow a Mohawk casino in the Catskills, and establish tax parity with non-native convenience stores. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

May 16, 2003 — David Sommerstein talks with Mohawk Chief Alma Ransom about why she signed the historic, but controversial, memorandum of understanding with Governor Pataki.  Go to full article

May 13, 2003 — Governor Pataki and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe yesterday broke a two decades old impasse when they signed an agreement to settle the tribe's land claims in St. Lawrence and Franklin counties. The deal also addresses tobacco and gas sales to non-natives and a Mohawk-owned casino in the Catskills. David Sommerstein has more.  Go to full article

May 07, 2003 — Seeking more revenue for the budget, the state legislature passed a bill requiring the collection of sales tax on non-natives purchases at native stores. Tribes in New York - and Governor Pataki - say it's unenforceable. But as David Sommerstein reports, the St. Regis Mohawks may be proposing a middle ground.  Go to full article

Aug 23, 2002 — A special ceremony will pay tribute to Akwesasne residents who helped build--and clean up--the World Trade Center in New York City. The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe will honor the tradition of Mohawk ironworkers this weekend with concerts and celebrations. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Jul 25, 2002 — This week the Tree of Peace Learning Center in Rossie in western St. Lawrence County hosts an annual workshop series called the Sacred Circle. It brings together people to teach and learn about a variety of native issues, from how the Iroquois document history to native burial mounds in Ohio.

The Tree of Peace Society was founded two decades ago by Mohawk Chief Jake Swamp. Its mission is to recover and pass on Mohawk and other tribal culture and philosophy. David Sommerstein went to the learning center in Rossie to talk with Chief Swamp.  Go to full article

Jul 25, 2002 — Chief Jake Swamp tells the story of a Mohawk prophet called "Handsome Lake".  Go to full article