Mohawk elder Kanakwiio (Shining Light) Harold Molt has been wrongfully targeted for his leadership for Native American sovereignty, spiritual practice and environmental justice. He steadfastly maintains his innocence. Here is his story.
In September 2016, as the eyes of the world were fixed on the prayerful struggle of the Lakota people at Standing Rock for their water, two tribal nations in the Northeast chose to revive an ancient alliance and create a peaceful prayerful camp on the sacred land of the Ramapough-Lenape nation in Mahwah, NJ.
Kanakwiio, a respected elder was solemnly commissioned by the Men's Council of his Akwesasne Mohawk Longhouse for this purpose. From the beginning the Split Rock Prayer Camp served as
a welcoming place for people to learn about Native American ceremony, cultural and linguistic re-traditionalization, and environmental issues impacting both Native and non-Native people.
Unfortunately, certain neighbors and municipal officials in Mahwah responded with aggressive efforts at harassing, intimidating, and criminalizing the Ramapough and their guests, out of a long history of racism in the community. This included, but was not limited to racial epithets, frivolous police calls, interruptions of ceremonies, and other violations of sacred space. During this time, Kanakwiio followed the direction of local tribal leaders to minimize conflict and mentor young people ranging from school groups to college age volunteers in the prayerful values of the camp.
In May of 2017, after months of harassment, Kanakwiio and two other Ramapough leaders were falsely accused of various incidents of vandalism, in an effort to drag the names of tribal leaders through the mud. The other individuals' charges were completely dismissed. After 2 years, Kanakwiio is still facing 30+ years for a crime he did not commit, at great costs: financial, emotional, and in irreplaceable time with his grandchildren.
Throughout this arduous process Harold has received unwavering support from the Ramapough tribe and wider community members of all nations, many of whom now consider him a mentor and honored
elder. He continues to walk in the sacred pledge he made to his nation and its values, at great personal cost and needs your support to receive justice.
We are humbly asking for financial support in order to pay for legal support for Elder Kanakwiio Harold Molt.
Please donate what you can, and share Elder Kanakwiio Harold Molt's story with others.
Thank You, Anushiik, & Niawen.
Kanakwiio Harold Molt recently acquired a new lawyer and donations for his legal defense are still needed. Despite claims that he was going to be released due to COVID-19 he is still unjustly incarcerated. Since his sentencing, donations have slowed significantly and it is important to renew the call.
