Ernest Benedict facts for kids

Ernest M. Kaientaronkwen Benedict (born July 14, 1918 – died January 8, 2011) was a very important leader for the Mohawk Nation. He was a teacher, someone who worked hard for change (an activist), and a chief on the Mohawk Council. He helped his community learn about their history and culture.

Growing Up

Ernest Benedict was born on July 14, 1918. His parents, Charles and Julia Jandreau Benedict, were part of the Mohawk Nation in a place called Akwesasne. He went to school on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation. He also attended schools in Bombay, New York, and Massena Central High School. Later, he went to college and earned a degree in Sociology from St. Lawrence University in 1941. In 1994, he received a special award called an honorary degree from Trent University.

Teaching and Helping Others

Ernest Benedict worked with his mentor, Ray Fadden-Tehanetorens. They created a group called the Akwesasne Mohawk Counsellor Organization. This group traveled around eastern North America. They visited important historical places and met with other Native nations. This helped them learn more about their own heritage and the history of other Indigenous peoples.

White Roots of Peace

Their travels inspired a new group called the White Roots of Peace. This group started in the mid-1930s. It helped spread knowledge and understanding of Native cultures.

North American Indian Traveling College

Benedict also started the North American Indian Traveling College. He worked with Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell on this project. It was a way to continue the work of the Counsellor Organization, bringing education to more people.

Manitou College and Native Knowledge

He founded Manitou College, which was a special college mostly for Native Americans. It aimed to offer degrees based on traditional Native knowledge and ways of learning. This idea of valuing traditional knowledge was later used by Syracuse University.

Tutoring Programs

Ernest Benedict also inspired a tutoring program called Operation Kanyengehaga. Professor Bob Wells at St. Lawrence University created this program to help students.

University Professor

Benedict was a lecturer and professor at Trent University. He also helped guide students who were working on their advanced degrees (PhDs) in Native Studies.

Sharing Stories and News

Ernest Benedict was also involved in journalism, which means writing and sharing news. From 1939 to 1941, he was the editor of a newspaper called War Whoop. Many people believe this was the first newspaper in Akwesasne. He later worked on another paper called Kawehras!, which means "It Thunders!".

Akwesasne Notes

In 1968, Benedict started a very important newspaper called the Akwesasne Notes. This newspaper became a well-known voice for Indigenous peoples.