January
Sexual assault allegations rocked the land reclamation site in Caledonia including allegations of a gang rape, the spread of STDs, illicit drug use and wanted men hiding out.
Community mourned COVID-related deaths in the community as positive COVID-19 cases reached an all-time high in what Six Nations Elected Council called “a crisis.”
February
Mohawk Elder Tom Porter provided some traditional teachings on grief during a special online presentation for community members regarding the findings of unmarked graves at residential schools across the country.
March
GRE donated $250,000 to language commission. President of Grand River Enterprises Steve Williams made the donation on behalf of GRE to the Six Nations Language Commission.
Six Nations pursued a halt to development while ground search continues at former Mohawk Institute Residential School. The Six Nations’ Survivors Secretariat, tasked with overseeing a search of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School for potentially hidden graves, asked Brantford developer to halt construction of a new survey just a stone’s throw away from the former residential school.
April
It was a historic journey for a large delegation of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people along with Assembly of First Nations representation to meet the Pope at the Vatican.
Six Nations woman was severely beaten, attacked by dogs — suffering severe and possibly permanent injuries.
Millions invested in police services on Six Nations, Brantford and Brant to address guns, drugs and gangs. The Ontario government is investing $5.45 million over three years to provide Six Nations Police, Brantford Police and Brant OPP with significant new resources to secure the communities.
Woodland Cultural Centre successfully reached $23.5 million dollar fundraising goal. The fundraising campaign to restore the former Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School and turn it into a museum raised the funds it needed, four years ahead of schedule.
May
Six Nations Food Bank officially home in the village. It was an emotional ‘mini grand opening’ and ribbon-cutting ceremony for food bank chair Mary Monture on Tuesday as she gave a heartfelt speech thanking the community for all its support, donations, time and energy over the years.
Bread and Cheese returns to Ohsweken after pandemic. For the first time since the pandemic was declared in 2020, Six Nations was back together again in one of the largest and most beloved annual gatherings in the community: the 2022 Bread and Cheese celebrations.
June
Parents and community members expressed anger after a visit from the federal minister of Indigenous Affairs produced nothing more than a speech regarding the community’s almost 40-year struggle to get funding for a language immersion school.
Tom Longboat Run returns after pandemic break. After being put on pause for two years due to the pandemic, the Tom Longboat Run once again brought people together for a shared love of running and remembrance of the famed Onondaga Distance Runner.
Six Nations Pride Outreach organized a very successful third annual event, Ride4Pride.
July
Six Nations shines bright after sold out drag queen bingo. Drag performers Crystal Quartz and Xtina Monroe took over The Gathering Place by the Grand to host what may be the first 19 plus bingo and drag show on the territory.
Chief condemns “divide and conquer” tactics by province in letter. Six Nations of the Grand River Chief Mark Hill sent a letter to municipalities along the Haldimand Tract, saying the elected council is the only entity with the legal ability to enter into consultation and accommodation discussions for projects affecting Six Nations.
Million dollar drug bust on Six Nations and Brantford. Police made a major arrest on July 14 that brought in over $1.5 million in drugs, guns, currency and jewelry.
Fire destroys reconstructed historic longhouse structure. A massive fire engulfed the longhouse near Kayanase on Hwy. 54, completely levelling the structure.
August
Hamilton Police accused of police brutality against Indigenous people. Members of Hamilton’s Indigenous community, along with allies, called for justice after an Indigenous man in his 30s was injured during an altercation with a Hamilton police officer.
Woodland Cultural Centre embarks on fundraising campaign for museum renovation. After securing funds to renovate the former Mohawk Institute Residential School, the Woodland Cultural Centre launched campaign to raise funds to renovate the museum and cultural interpretive centre adjacent to the old school.
Faces and smiles were shining bright once again at the 34th annual Three Fires Homecoming Powwow at Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
September
Gregory Frazer has been elected as the ninth councillor of the 58th Elected Council of Six Nations of the Grand River in a by-election, replacing former Councillor Wendy Johnson, who resigned in early 2022.
Coming up on almost 80 years, the Six Nations ambassador pageant Miss Six Nations crowned a fluent Mohawk speaker and educator as the new Miss Six.
October
Events were held across Canada to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. People wore orange shirts to commemorate the lives of children institutionalized at Indian Residential Schools across the country.
Reward of $50,000 offered in Amber Ellis disappearance. Police say they suspect Amber Ellis, 34, succumbed to foul play and are now offering a $50,000 reward for tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for her disappearance. Amber was last seen in February 2021 on Six Nations.
HDI asks Ontario Court to name them rightful government, remove elected council from land claim. HDI is taking Six Nations’ governance struggles straight where hereditary leaders and grassroots Onkwehonwe said they would never go – beneath the jurisdiction of an Ontario judge – granting the provincial court a voice and final say over who is the true government at Six Nations.
Ghost Hunters of the Grand River premieres on APTN — paranormal research group is intent on unraveling the secrets of the river and her inhabitants over the centuries.
November
The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation apply as intervenors in Six Nations’ long-standing land rights case against the Crown.
Six Nations not included in First Nations drinking water settlement. Despite evidence of years of poor water quality, Six Nations is not included in a country-wide First Nations class action settlement.
Murder accessory charges against Vernon Shipman dropped in triple homicide of Melissa Miller, her unborn child, Alan Porter and Michael Jamieson.
December
Henry ‘Elmer’ Maracle honoured by Hockey Hall of Fame to commemorate five hockey players with national historic designations.
Peter Khill – the man who killed Jonathan Styres, a Six Nations man, in 2016 – has been found guilty of manslaughter.
