HETF Welcomes Joyce King as Acting Director

Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force

Welcomes Acting Director

The Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force (HETF) welcomes Joyce King to the position of Acting Director. Prior to being selected as Acting Director, Joyce was employed as Cultural Researcher at HETF for the last two years.

Joyce brings to the position a great amount of enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience. As a Cultural Researcher, she was successful in organizing and developing workshops for the HETF, in which the traditional teachings and environmental knowledge were discussed and gathered.

Prior to her employment with the HETF, Joyce was the Administrator for the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs for six years. As an Administrator, she made a presentation at the United Nations in behalf of the Haudenosaunee and represented the Mohawk Nation at the United Nations World Peace Conference of Religious Leaders sponsored by Ted Turner. While Administer she also worked as Managing Editor for Indian Times Newspaper; she reported significant cultural events such as the condolence of Mohawk Chief Brian Skidders and the raising of the Tadadaho, Sid Hill. These experiences have imbued her with a great understanding of Haudenosaunee protocol, history, and cultural traditions.

In addition, Joyce brings with her extensive knowledge concerning bookkeeping, grants and contracts, mediation, and justice issues. Joyce is an Akwesasne Mohawk and of the Turtle Clan. She has four children and two wonderful grandchildren. She is active with the Longhouse, the Akwesasne Freedom School, and the community of Akwesasne.

The Acting Director position was left open when the previous Director James W. Ransom ran and subsequently was elected as a Chief for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. As a Director, Jim successfully advocated for the Haudenosaunee. He helped to bring forth Haudenosaunee concerns and rights by using the teachings of the Two Row Wampum to create a bridge, a common understanding, in which the federal agencies and the Haudenosaunee could respectfully meet and work together as equals to protect the Natural World.

The HEFT is confident that Joyce will not only continue the good work of the past Director, but will use her unique talents to spread the Haudenosaunee message globally in further protection of Haudenosaunee traditional teachings, rights, and the environment.