MCA Environment Program

TODAY: LEARN, CONNECT & EXPLORE WITH THE MCA ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
Join the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Environment Program for an evening of learning, conversation, and community connection!

Come meet the Environment Team and discover the many ways they work to protect, preserve, and support the health of our community and natural environment. Whether you’re curious about recycling and waste disposal, interested in local conservation efforts, or simply want to learn more about the services available to Akwesasró:non, this event is for you.

Learn about:
• How the Environment Program serves Akwesasne
• Recycling and waste management services
• Environmental conservation initiatives
• Turtle protection and monitoring efforts
• Upcoming projects
• And much more!

This is a great opportunity to ask questions, share your thoughts, and connect directly with the team working to keep our community healthy and sustainable for future generations.

📅 Tuesday, June 16, 2026
🕓 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
📍 Snye Recreation Center

🍽 Meals will be provided to the first 50 attendees.

All Akwesasró:non are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!

Karakwaron ne Raniarake A’no:wara
Blanding's Turtle

The turtle with the sun under it's chin!
🐢Did you know the male blanding's turtle has a concave plastron to help with mounting the female.

MOHAWK COUNCIL OF AKWESASNE EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF MARGARET GEORGE

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Margaret George as she begins her final journey to the Sky World.

Margaret dedicated many years of service to the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne in the Environment Program, where her passion for nature left a lasting impact on our community. As an arborist, she dedicated herself to planting and caring for trees throughout Akwesasne, sharing her knowledge and passion for the environment with others.

Her knowledge and love of trees were captured in her book, “Trees of Akwesasne”, which remains a valuable resource for many people today.

The trees she planted, the knowledge she shared, and the work she carried out will continue to benefit the people of Akwesasne for generations to come. We extend our deepest condolences to her loved ones.

Spiny Softshell

These unique turtles have a softer carapace(top shell)
In this photo the hatchling is a male which is identified by the black ring around the spots on his carapace.
Adult Spiny Softshell Turtles can reach a shell length similar to that of adult Snapping Turtles, measured in inches, but they are not comparable in weight. Snapping Turtles are significantly bulkier and much heavier overall, while Spiny Softshells remain much lighter.
🐢If seen in the water you might just see a tiny snout like projection. The Spiny Softshells have a long snout that they poke out of the water but keep their bodies hidden from predators.

Kakonseraho A’no:wara
Painted Turtles are often seen basking in the sun on floating logs, rocks, and other objects near the water's surface. Basking helps them regulate their body temperature and maintain their overall health.
🐢Did you know that male painted turtles have noticeably longer front claws than females? These elongated claws are one of the easiest ways to tell the difference between males and females. Male Painted Turtles use their long claws during courtship displays, gently fluttering them in front of a female to attract her attention. :) Females typically have shorter claws.
🐢Male painted turtles also have fang like projections called tomiodonts which are more pronounced in males compared to females.

LEARN, CONNECT & EXPLORE WITH THE MCA ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
Join the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Environment Program for an evening of learning, conversation, and community connection!

Come meet the Environment Team and discover the many ways they work to protect, preserve, and support the health of our community and natural environment. Whether you’re curious about recycling and waste disposal, interested in local conservation efforts, or simply want to learn more about the services available to Akwesasró:non, this event is for you.

Learn about:
• How the Environment Program serves Akwesasne
• Recycling and waste management services
• Environmental conservation initiatives
• Turtle protection and monitoring efforts
• Upcoming projects
• And much more!

This is a great opportunity to ask questions, share your thoughts, and connect directly with the team working to keep our community healthy and sustainable for future generations.

📅 Tuesday, June 16, 2026
🕓 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
📍 Snye Recreation Center

🍽 Meals will be provided to the first 50 attendees.

All Akwesasró:non are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!

SONS OF TRADITION
Akwesasne Child & Family Services and community partners invite Akwesasró:non young men ages 13-18 to take part in Sons of Tradition, a four-day land-based cultural experience at Thompson Island Cultural Camp. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with the land, learn about Haudenosaunee culture and traditions, and connect with others in a positive and supportive space.

📅 June 23–26, 2026
👤 Males Ages 13–18
📍Thompson Island Cultural Camp
🕒 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Daily transportation will be provided from both Adams Marina and Warden's Marina.

For questions or to register, please contact [email protected].

More information will be provided to registered applicants.

Tomorrow we will be joining Iethiiehià:rons for an All Kanien'kéha Little Trail Explorers. We will be venturing out to Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary, meeting there at 10am.
I wanted to share a fun resource we will be using to find Otsi'tenokón:'a.