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Nixtamalization is the process where corn is cooked in an alkaline solution (hard wood ash in our area) to break down the outer shell, or endosperm. This process comes from Mesoamerica. "Nextli” is a Nahuati word, spoken in Central Mexico, meaning ashes."Tamali" is maize dough. This process works on other grains as well. Not only does this process soften the food and make it … [Read more...] about Cooking with Ashes

The news of the dismissal of our land rights case September 22, 2010 stung.   Reading the words of U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence E. Kahn were to me, a biting dose of unwelcome reality.  The decision states:  “The profoundly disruptive nature of the Onondaga Nation’s claim in readily identifiable throughout its Amended Complaint.”  And further, “Sherill, Cayuga, and Oneida … [Read more...] about Land Rights Reaction

Onondaga and the other 5 nations have a close relationship to Dehontshigwa'ehs or Lacrosse.  The game is a gift from the Creator.  We give our babies sticks; we are buried with our favorite. This past week has shown to many how important this game is to us.  The game is a part of us.  It defines us.  Its spirit runs through us.  To try to separate the game from who we are is … [Read more...] about Nationals

It is the end of the school year. For some, it is the conclusion of a goal. For our family we had the pleasure of celebrating the Commencement ceremonies at Syracuse University by watching my wife walk across stage. Well at Syracuse there are so many students the students from the different colleges take turns standing as each college accepts the privileges and responsibilities … [Read more...] about Commencement

Wild onions and leeks (ramps) make wonderful additions to your everyday cooking recipes. Just by substituting a few chopped wild onions/ramps into your omelets instead of chives or scallions you can add loads of flavor to your breakfast. These plants grow wild here on the Onondaga Nation so getting a hold them can be a hassle unless you like traipsing in the woods (which this … [Read more...] about Wild Aromatics

“Arthroscopy allows the orthopedic surgeon to insert a pencil-thin device with a small lens and lighting system into tiny incisions to look inside the joint. The images inside the joint are relayed to a TV monitor, allowing the doctor to make a diagnosis. Other surgical instruments can be inserted to make repairs, based on what is with the arthroscope. Arthroscopy often can be … [Read more...] about Arthroscopy and Me

As we were getting ready by putting our hats and gloves on to bring in the new year by going New Yea-ing in the community, a family from down the road was already on our porch hollering, "New Yea! New Yea!" My wife brought out the freshly made pineapple drop cookies and began handing them out to our first New Yea-ers. It was going to be great day. We went from house to … [Read more...] about New Yea, New Yea!!!