(Akwesasne, NY)—On Oneratohkó:wa/May 22, 2026, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council held a private ceremony for the 1st Annual Akwesasne Mohawk Code Talker Recognition Day at Ia’teiewenhnani’haras “Echo/A Voice that Reaches Far Away” Amphitheater in Generations Park. The event marked the 10th anniversary of the presentation of Silver and Bronze Congressional Medals to the Akwesasne Mohawk Code Talkers in May 2016 at the Travis Solomon Memorial Lacrosse Box.
Descendants of the Akwesasne Mohawk Code Talkers, and students from the Akwesasne Freedom School, recited the Ohén:ton Karihwatékwen, “Words Before All Else,” followed by an opening from the American Legion Post 1479 Color Guard.
26 Mohawk Code Talkers from Akwesasne were honored for their service during World War II, where they used the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) language to transmit undecipherable military communications, which contributed to the allied forces success in the South Pacific, New Guinea and the Philippines. These unbreakable messages helped save countless lives.
Chief Ross Garrow gave special recognition to Akwesasrón:on and centenarian Jack Leaf, who proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. Leaf, touted as the last remaining World War II veteran, received a standing ovation in honor of his military service.
Chief Garrow shared on behalf of the Council, “Their work demonstrated that Indigenous languages were not only cultural treasures, but also strategic assets that strengthened wartime communication. It’s about remembering their bravery and service, valuing our identity and Kanien’kehá language, and ensuring our recorded history includes the Akwesasne Mohawk Code Talkers, and so we will continue to commemorate their contributions and honor their sacrifices.”
Sub-Chief Benjamin Herne, Master of the Ceremonies, reflected on its emotional impact, “It was an emotional time for many of our families in attendance. I was very happy to have an opportunity to acknowledge our Mohawk soldiers and the recognition they deserved; for their bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism that will forever live in our hearts for generations to come. It was a powerful day for the families of the Akwesasne Mohawk Code Talkers to help us kick off Memorial Day weekend.”
Following the recognitions, the Echo Sky singers and drummers performed an honor song in Kanien’kehá. The beat of drum echoed through the amphitheater, drawing in attendees who stood in quiet respect, many emotionally moved. Singer Mark Light honored his family prior to the performance by sharing, “Today we honor the Code Talker families, including my family member, Edgar Jock.”
The Tribal Council honors the Akwesasne Mohawk Code Talkers:
Kiótkon roti’nikonhratshà:ni
“They are always Brave”
Joseph Barnes
Thomas Cole
Louis Stanley Conners
Angus B. Cook
Joe King
Louis E. King
Angus J. Laughing
Alex Wilson Lazore
Charles Lazore
Alex Oakes
Louis Levi Oakes
Alex W. Peters
Joe Harry Pyke
Mitchell Sunday
Albert Tarbell
Reginald White
Joseph Robert Herne
Edgar Jock
Abe Ransom
Louis Ransom
Andrew Rourke
Peter White
Phillip Thompson
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is honored to formally enact the Akwesasne Mohawk Code Talker Recognition Day, through Tribal Council Resolution 2026-18, and looks forward to its annual observance and commemoration on the Friday preceding Memorial Day.