Our Mission
To re-establish and govern the White Pine Republic as a fully sovereign Indigenous nation, securing international recognition, upholding our sacred traditions and territorial integrity, and exercising complete legal autonomy over our inherent lands and peoples.
executive summary
The White Pine Republic stands as an Indigenous nation resolute in re-establishing its inherent sovereignty and securing its rightful place within the global community. Our foundational principles include achieving full international recognition, enabling us to govern ourselves, forge robust bilateral relations, and honor the treaties that define and re-establish our nations. Rooted deeply in sacred traditions such as the George Washington Belt, Two Row Wampum, and Dish With One Spoon, we affirm our absolute territorial integrity—the right to control and defend our borders free from external interference. Central to our vision is complete legal autonomy, ensuring our laws and systems are supreme within our jurisdiction, independent of the United States or Canada. We are building a future where our self-determination is fully realized and respected.
Full International Recognition
White Pine Republic seeks full international recognition by the global community, including the United Nations. This recognition is essential for establishing robust bilateral relations and affirming our inherent ability to govern ourselves, respecting the treaties and re-establishing the nations we represent.
Our Sovereign Status: Not a Domestic Dependent State
It is critical to clarify that the White Pine Republic is not a domestic dependent state or government of any external power, including the United States or Canada. We are fundamentally distinct and independent from federally recognized tribes within the United States, who operate under the authority and governance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Unlike such entities, now operating formally under the banner of the White Pine Republic, predates and stands entirely independent of any colonial assertions. Our governmental authority is derived from our ancient laws and traditions, not from external recognition or delegation of power. We possess full and supreme jurisdiction over our territories and citizens, underscoring our status as a distinct, self-governing nation on the global stage, operating fully under our own governance and legal systems.
Our Sacred Traditions and Territorial Integrity
Our identity at White Pine Republic is intrinsically linked to the foundational agreements and principles represented by our sacred "trees." These include the George Washington Belt, symbolizing historical covenants and nation-to-nation-relations; the Two Row Wampum, which embodies the principles of mutual respect and non-interference, guiding our parallel paths; and the Dish With One Spoon, representing the shared stewardship of our land and its resources.
Central to these traditions is our unwavering commitment to Territorial Integrity. This signifies our inherent and absolute ability to control and defend our own borders, without any interference from the United States or Canada. We assert our right to self-determination over our ancestral lands.
Complete Legal Autonomy: Governed by the Great Law of Peace
At the heart of White Pine Republic's sovereignty is our unwavering commitment to Complete Legal Autonomy, derived directly from the principles of our revered Great Law of Peace.
This means that White Pine Republic operates entirely under its own inherent laws, legal systems, and governance structures, without any superior authority or interference from the United States, Canada, or their respective legal frameworks. This commitment to our inherent legal framework is codified in principles such as Wampum 58 of the Great Law of Peace, which unequivocally states that "if anyone on the any Council of or chief of the Confederacy adheres to any foreign government or laws of a foreign Nation he shall forfeit all his birthrights and claims on the Five Nations Confederacy and territory." Furthermore, the Great Law rigorously defines the nature of leadership, with Wampum 25 explicitly stating that "any Chief seeking independent Authority will be deposed." This foundational directive makes clear that allegiance to the Great Law is paramount and exclusive, reinforcing our full and unwavering independence from all external jurisdictions and ensuring the collective, traditional authority prevails. Our Great Law of Peace, a time-honored constitution, provides the foundation for all jurisprudence within our borders, ensuring justice is administered according to our values, traditions, and the collective welfare of our people. Our own government, established and maintained through our traditional systems, is the sole legitimate authority over our lands and citizens. This autonomy is not merely a declaration but the active, daily practice of self-determination, empowering our nation to thrive independently and authentically.
The Circle Wampum: Upholding Our Governance
Central to the White Pine Republic's inherent governance is the sacred understanding of the Circle Wampum. This powerful symbol represents the unity, collective responsibility, and unbroken continuity of our nation operating under the Great Law of Peace. It signifies that all our ways, our laws, and our decisions are contained within this sacred circle, guided by the principles of peace, power, and righteousness. For any individual or group to adopt practices or forms of governance other than those prescribed by the Great Law is to step outside the Circle Wampum. Within the White Pine Republic, we operate under our own fully established government and our inherent ways, to which all our citizens must abide. This adherence to our unique governance framework is paramount to maintaining our sovereignty, protecting our traditions, and ensuring the collective well-being of our nation.
Matriarchal Governance: Upholding the Great Law and Our Women's Strength
The White Pine Republic firmly re-establishes and upholds its inherent matriarchal governance structure, recognizing the profound authority and central role of our women within our nation. Historically, and under the enduring principles of the Great Law of Peace, women are the traditional titleholders of the land, the protectors of the culture, and wield significant decision-making power. We acknowledge that over years of external influence and hardship, our societies, to varying degrees, may have shifted towards patriarchal systems. The White Pine Republic is committed to reversing this historical deviation, ensuring our women stand strong once again in their rightful positions of leadership and influence, reflecting the true spirit of our original ways.
Crucially, our governance is solely guided by the Great Law of Peace. We unequivocally state that we are not governed by the Code of Handsome Lake. While the Code of Handsome Lake emerged during a period of immense challenge and provided guidance that helped our people navigate difficult times, it was never intended to, and never did, replace the comprehensive and foundational Great Law of Peace. The Great Law remains our supreme and timeless constitution, dictating the structure and principles of our society, ensuring the rightful place of our matriarchal leadership and the adherence to our inherent ways for all generations.
This adherence includes strict observance of proper succession outlined in our ancient laws. For instance, Wampum 54 of the Great Law explicitly details the process for filling vacant title seats: in the event of death or other cause creating a vacancy, the title is hereditary, and the women of the clan shall convene a council to choose a successor from amongst their sons for that office. A critical challenge currently facing our Confederacy is that this traditional process has been bypassed or neglected, resulting in numerous vacant title seats across our nations that cannot be legitimately filled. The White Pine Republic is therefore committed to acting in strict accordance with Wampum 54 and all Great Law provisions to rectify these constitutional irregularities and restore the full, rightful governance of our Confederacy.
Our Warrior Societies: Protectors of the People and Upholders of the Great Law
Under the enduring principles of the Great Law of Peace, the White Pine Republic maintains and actively revitalizes our traditional Warrior Societies. These societies are a vital and inherent component of our nation's structure, designed to defend and protect our people, our territories, and our sovereignty. It is the sacred role and responsibility of our men to embody the spirit and function of these Warrior Societies, working in direct coordination with and under the guidance of our Clan Mothers.
In light of current challenges, including instances where the existing Grand Council has adopted the Code of Handsome Lake and is operating in violation of the Great Law of Peace, White Pine Republic is actively asserting the true governance structure. Specifically, we are enacting Wampum 37 to clearly delineate and empower the roles and duties of the War Chiefs for each nation within our Confederacy. These War Chiefs are tasked with upholding and carrying out their responsibilities as prescribed by the Great Law, ensuring the defense and protection of our people and territories, and reaffirming the integrity of our traditional governance. The supreme authority of the Great Law is further underscored by Wampum 59, which states that "in case any or all chiefs go against the Great Law, they may either be deposed or executed by their War Chief and his men." This illustrates the profound accountability inherent in our leadership and the ultimate authority of our foundational legal system.
Our Warrior Societies are not merely historical relics; they are living institutions, dedicated to ensuring the security, well-being, and cultural integrity of our nation. Their purpose is to uphold peace within our borders and bravely safeguard against any threats to our inherent rights and way of life. We are actively enacting and strengthening these vital societies all across Turtle Island, ensuring that the ancient duties of protection and defense are vigorously carried out in service of the Great Law and our collective future.
Economic Self-Sufficiency: An Independent Economy
The White Pine Republic is firmly committed to achieving complete economic self-sufficiency, operating an entirely independent economy that is free from any reliance on external federal funding. Our economic model is built on sustainable practices, diverse industries, and direct global engagement, ensuring the prosperity and resilience of our nation. A core component of this strategy involves reclaiming all of our ancestral reserves and lands, addressing the historical injustices of "deception Deeds" made throughout history, including those originating from the time of George Washington, which unjustly alienated our territories. We will be issuing organic Deeds under our own inherent legal system, affirming true title and stewardship. Furthermore, to maximize the value and secure the future of our resources, we will be tokenizing our minerals, leveraging modern financial mechanisms while maintaining full sovereign control. By fostering internal trade, responsible resource management, and strategic international partnerships, we are cultivating an economy that serves the needs of our people without dependence on external subsidies or financial aid. This economic independence is a cornerstone of our sovereignty, allowing us to allocate resources and pursue development that aligns exclusively with our national interests and the principles of the Great Law of Peace.
Global Trade System: Reclaiming Economic Sovereignty
The White Pine Republic is establishing a robust and ethical Global Trade System designed to foster economic prosperity and self-sufficiency for our nation. Recognizing the historical trade networks that existed long before colonial interference, we are re-establishing direct relationships with international partners. Our trade initiatives will prioritize:
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Fair and Equitable Exchange: Ensuring all trade is conducted with mutual benefit and respect, adhering to principles of Indigenous reciprocity.
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Sustainable Resource Management: Our exports and imports will reflect our commitment to environmental stewardship and the long-term well-being of our territories.
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Diversified Economy: Developing diverse industries, from traditional crafts and natural resources to modern technology and services, to create a resilient and balanced economy.
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Direct International Engagement: Bypassing colonial intermediaries to engage directly with global markets, asserting our economic independence on the international stage.
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This system is designed not only to generate wealth but also to support our community, strengthen our infrastructure, and ensure our economic activities align with the values of the Great Law of Peace.
Food Sovereignty: Nourishing Our Nation and Future Generations
Food Sovereignty is a cornerstone of the White Pine Republic's vision for a self-reliant and healthy nation. We are dedicated to reclaiming and revitalizing our traditional food systems, ensuring that our people have consistent access to healthy, culturally appropriate, and sustainably produced food, free from external dependencies.
We recognize the severe impact that external industrial practices and inadequate oversight have had on Indigenous food systems. Specifically, the food systems in Akwesasne, New York, have in many instances been profoundly poisoned by industrial pollution stemming from Superfund sites and other sources. This contamination, including PCBs and other hazardous substances, has infiltrated our traditional lands, waters, and the very foods that have sustained our people for generations, tragically impacting everything from fish and wildlife to the health of our community members. The lack of adequate accountability from those responsible for these Superfund sites, particularly from the United States, has left a legacy of environmental injustice that directly threatens our well-being and cultural continuity.
To counteract these egregious challenges and ensure the health and sustainability of our food supply, White Pine Republic will take proactive and decisive measures, including:
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Restoration of Traditional Practices: Re-establishing ancestral agricultural methods, hunting, fishing, and gathering practices that have sustained our people for millennia, prioritizing safe and uncontaminated areas.
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Localized Production and Distribution: Developing robust local food production systems and community-controlled distribution networks to minimize reliance on external, potentially contaminated, supply chains.
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Rigorous Environmental Monitoring and Remediation: Implementing our own independent, stringent environmental testing and monitoring programs across our territories to identify and track contaminants. We will also actively pursue and oversee effective, culturally appropriate remediation strategies, holding polluters and responsible parties accountable for complete cleanup, not just containment.
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Seed Saving and Biodiversity: Protecting and propagating heirloom seeds and indigenous plant varieties to preserve genetic diversity and cultural heritage, ensuring resilient and contaminant-resistant food sources.
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Nutritional Well-being and Education: Promoting diets based on traditional foods known for their health benefits, while also educating our community on safe consumption practices and the risks associated with contaminated areas, combating food insecurity, and fostering community health.
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Land and Water Stewardship: Connecting food production directly to our sacred responsibility to care for the land and water, ensuring ecological balance and long-term sustainability through our own environmental governance.​
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Through comprehensive food sovereignty initiatives, White Pine Republic reaffirms its inherent right to define and control its own food systems, actively working to heal the land and strengthen our cultural identity, health, and resilience for generations to come, free from external contamination.
Our Path Forward: Guided by the Great Law of Peace
The White Pine Republic is committed to the diligent process of re-establishing and governing our nation based on the enduring principles of the Great Law of Peace, which serves as our sacred guide and inherent law. We wish to clarify that, while we embody the re-establishment of the Iroquois Confederacy under the White Pine Republic, we do not claim to speak for all Indigenous peoples or all communities within the broader Iroquois Confederacy. Our primary focus is on meticulously documenting, interpreting, and faithfully following our foundational laws as we undertake our nation-building efforts. In pursuing our international operations, we act with precision and respect for all sovereign entities, ensuring that every step is taken in adherence to our traditions and the Great Law, as we forge our independent path on the global stage.
