"Honoring the Past,
Empowering the Present,
Inspiring the Future."
Vision Statement
"To cultivate a generation of students who are empowered with the knowledge, language, culture, traditions, and history of the Haudenosaunee people, enabling them to become ambassadors of peace and wisdom. Through these teachings, Haudenosaunee Universe will serve as a beacon of hope and harmony—a Mecca of peace—for the world to witness and embrace, inspiring communities globally to heal, connect, and thrive in unity."
Mission Statement
"At Haudenosaunee Universe, our mission is to foster holistic education by integrating the ancient wisdom of the Haudenosaunee people with contemporary learning. We are committed to nurturing individuals who are deeply connected to their cultural roots while being equipped to engage with the world in ways that promote peace, sustainability, and mutual respect. Through a combination of educational lectures, immersive cultural experiences, wellness practices, and dialogue circles, we create a transformative space where knowledge, healing, and leadership are passed down for the benefit of future generations and all of humanity."
Core Principles
“Guided by the wisdom of our ancestors, we hold core values that honor the deep connections between people, the land, and all living things. We cultivate peace and harmony, striving to bring balance within ourselves, our communities, and the world. With a steadfast commitment to integrity, we honor and share the richness of our Haudenosaunee language, traditions, and history. We practice respect and reciprocity, recognizing the importance of mutual support and giving back to the land and one another. Through holistic wellness, we nurture the mind, body, and spirit, fostering healing and personal growth. We are dedicated to community empowerment and strive for educational excellence, blending traditional knowledge with modern learning to inspire the next generation of leaders and peacekeepers."
Wakerahkáhtste Louise McDonald Herne
VISIONARY
Condoled Bear Clan Mother, Mohawk Nation Council,
Founding member of Konón:kwe Council,
Kahnisténhsera, “Mother Law” philosophy,
Lead conductor of the Moon Lodge Society,
Visionary behind 'Oherokon' Under The Husk and
Haudenosaunee Universe.
Wakerahkáhtste is a presenter, United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and lectures regularly at universities throughout Canada and the United States on Ratinonhsón:ni philosophies and self-determination in regards to women.
Wakerahkáhtste has been the Distinguished Scholar in Indigenous Learning at McMaster University Institute for Innovation and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (MIIETL) and received an honorary PhD from SUNY Canton.
Wakerahkáhtste Louise McDonald Herne is a condoled Bear Clan Mother for the Mohawk Nation Council. She is a trusted advisor for families and community youth and works closely with them in their homes and schools. She bestows traditional names in the longhouse and provides spiritual counsel for all those seeking support.
Through her work as a matrilineal leader and as a mother, she is a founding member of Konón:kwe Council, a circle of Mohawk women working to reconstruct the power of their origins through education, empowerment and trauma-informed approaches. Louise champions the philosophy of Kahnisténhsera, "Mother Law" --a natural law that binds Ohnwehón:we, or Indigenous, kinship society. She is also the lead conductor of the Moon Lodge Society, a convening women and girls on a monthly basis in line with the full moon cycle. Louise is the principal organizer and leader of Oheró:kon, a traditional Rite of Passage ceremony for Mohawk youth. Since 2005, she has guided hundreds of community families and volunteers through self-reflection and Ratinonhsón:ni cultural instruction and ceremony.
Steevi Skaniehtaha:wi King
HU ADMINISTRATOR, OHEROKON FACILITATOR
Steevi Skaniehtaha:wi King is from the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, having lived and worked amongst the community of Akwesasne for her entire life. She is a member of the Bear Clan.
Steevi is a graduate of St. Lawrence College, having earned her Associates Degree in Business Management and Eco-Tourism. She was also a graduate of Massena Central High School.
Steevi worked for several years at the Diabetes Center for Excellence, where she earned her personal training certification. It was during her time and experience there that ignited her passion for helping her fellow community members become the healthiest version of themselves. This passion led her to co-found the Iakwashatste Youth Fitness organization, which dedicated resources and education to Akwesasne youth in starting their life path in a healthy, positive manner.
Steevi’s spiritual, personal, and career journey led her to Haudenosaunee Universe, where she has connected with her culture and the Kanienke’ha language. This path allows her to connect with people on a deeper, more spiritual level. She thoroughly enjoys working side by side with her fellow Haudenosaunee Universe staff members, planning and implementing programs that connect community members to their historical culture and history.
When Steevi isn’t at Haudenosaunee Universe, she dedicates her time to her family, where she is a devoted wife and mother of two children. She also runs her own business: a fitness and wellness center which she operates out of her home.
Stacey Mitchell
HU ADMINISTRATOR
Stacey Mitchell grew up on the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. She graduated from Syracuse University with a BFA in Computer Arts. Stacey participates in art markets and fashion shows across the continent. She is the support worker at Haudenosaunee Universe, assisting with arranging classes, registrations, and other duties as needed.
