First Nations Media

Snake Island Muskies Capture the President’s Cup!

Whitby, ON — August 30, 2025 — History has been made! The Snake Island Muskies are officially the 2025 President’s Cup Champions, defeating the Brooklin Merchants in a commanding 11–5 victory tonight.

After a week of intense competition, the Muskies capped off their undefeated run with grit, speed, and unstoppable teamwork. From nail-biting comebacks to dominant wins, they proved why they are one of the toughest Senior B teams in the country.

This marks the first-ever President’s Cup national title for Snake Island — a victory that will be remembered for years to come in Akwesasne and across Turtle Island.

Congratulations, Snake Island Muskies — national champions at last!

— FNTV Staff

AKWESASNE — The community came together Saturday afternoon at the A’nowara’kó:wa Arena to mark three decades of memories, milestones, and moments that have defined this cornerstone of Akwesasne life.

The 30th-anniversary celebration was both festive and heartfelt. Indoors, dignitaries, athletes, and families gathered for a formal ceremony. Outdoors, the grounds were alive with carnival games, athletic competitions, and children’s laughter—fitting tributes to a facility that has long brought people together.

“It’s been an amazing 30 years,” said master of ceremonies and Akwesasne Lacrosse Hall of Fame member Peter Garrow. “This arena has been a gem for lacrosse and hockey in this area.”

Known affectionately as the Turtle Dome, the 3,000-seat multi-purpose arena has hosted everything from lacrosse and hockey to powwows, concerts, skate nights, and even professional teams. The Akwesasne Warriors of the Federal Hockey League called the arena home from 2010–12, while box lacrosse legend John Tavares once thrilled crowds here playing with the Akwesasne Thunder of Major Series Lacrosse.

Saturday’s formal program paid special tribute to the late Jay Benedict, the visionary project lead whose determination in the mid-1990s made the arena a reality. A memorial plaque unveiled in his honor recognized his leadership as Director of Technical Services and his role in guiding planning, funding, and construction—work that ensured opportunities for future generations.

“This building is here because of the hard work of the people who are sitting here at the podium,” said Grand Chief Leonard Lazore of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. Addressing a crowd that included young hockey and lacrosse players, Lazore reflected on Benedict’s legacy: “We’re celebrating the lasting impact he had—his dedication, his resilience, and his humour.”

Other speakers included former arena manager Geraldine Jacobs and former grand chiefs Russell Roundpoint and Mike Mitchell, each of whom highlighted the vision and effort that carried the project forward.

Over the years, the Turtle Dome has seen its share of triumphs and challenges. It twice hosted the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (2002, 2003), and survived a 2018 fire that temporarily closed its doors. That same year, nearly $1 million in upgrades modernized the arena with a new scoreboard, LED lighting, expanded concessions, and a major chiller system. More recently, the grounds expanded with the 2022 opening of the Akwesasne Skatepark.

The celebration wasn’t just about the past—it looked ahead too. Just last week, the arena hosted a five-day youth dance camp blending creativity and cultural learning. And this fall, a new team, the Akwesasne Wild, will begin play in the Northern Premier Hockey League, adding a fresh chapter to the arena’s growing story.

For 30 years, the A’nowara’kó:wa Arena has been more than just a building. It has been a gathering place, a stage for history, and a symbol of community pride. As the celebration showed, its legacy continues to grow—shaped by the people who call the Turtle Dome home.

By: FNTV Staff