Featured News:

Member-Owner of the Month:

John Skenandore

This month, we're delighted and inspired to shine the spotlight on John Skenandore (MO#1297, Turtle Clan, Oneida Nation).  We are exceptionally grateful to him and Kawenniiosta Jock (MO#1038, Wolf Clan, Mohawk Nation) for leading the planting of the White Pine Tree of Peace on Sunday, November 9 while sharing wisdom from their traditions and imparting important knowledge about the history of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy's approach to democratic governance in accordance with the Great Law of Peace.  Especially for those who missed the gathering, we're honored to share more about Skenandore's work and what membership in our co-op means to him. 

John Skenandore's work is the re-establishment of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and the institution of the Great Law of Peace. This includes the development of a self-sufficient economic ecosystem to support the Confederacy's goals. 

In addition to economic and political initiatives, Skenandore is dedicated to rebuilding the strength and integrity of indigenous communities. He is actively working on re-instituting the Warrior Societies to their rightful place and empowering the men of the community. In their traditional roles, these societies served not as a militarized force, but as an essential part of tribal governance and community well-being. They functioned as a form of law enforcement and public service, responsible for maintaining discipline, protecting resources, and upholding cultural values. This model offers a valuable alternative to modern police departments, prioritizing community connection, cultural alignment, and a protective "guardian" role over an adversarial "us vs. them" approach. This is complemented by his work with the Guardians of the Ancestral Path, a men's camp dedicated to fostering this vision of a strong, self-reliant nation capable of protecting its people and way of life.

His commitment to land rematriation is deeply intertwined with his work in environmental sustainability and community health. He is actively involved in utilizing advanced agricultural techniques like biochar and compost tea, especially at Skywoman's Forever Farm in Schoharie County. These methods are not only restoring the health of the land but also playing a crucial role in the remediation of polluted sites, including the cleanup of PCBs, thereby supporting the vision of self-sufficiency by fostering healthy food systems and a renewed connection to ancestral lands.