Wa'tkwanonweraton/Greetings:
As we near the next millennium, many histories of North America continue to promote a near exclusive non-Native perspective with heavy overtones of early French and British points of view. With the influx of new immigrants from Asia and Latin America, it is now imperative that we put aside all learned prejudice and search for and propagate our distinctive, rich heritage.

In this vein, the Kanienkehaka (Mohawks) were asked to host the North American Fur Trade Conference in 2000. Whilst previous conferences have touched upon the Native aspect of the trade, it is always been presented in a European context by non-Natives. By offering the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs this opportunity, we can be assured of a clearer understanding of the impact that the trade had on their forefathers and the ramifications that continue to this day.

Local support for this Conference expressed by the Canadian Metis Council as well as various museums and educational facilities is most encouraging. Further, traditional patrons such as numerous Canadian and American archives, universities, institutes, departments and museums will be called upon once more to ensure an enlightening and exciting Conference for all.