05/29/2026
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Tewaaraton Outstanding Haudenosaunee Scholarship Recipient, Jayden James
Congratulations to Jayden James, son of Tina Conners-James and Damion James, on being a recipient of the 2026 Tewaaraton Outstanding Haudenosaunee Scholarship presented by Hildene Capital. This award recognizes “outstanding student-athletes who embody excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service while honoring the traditions and heritage of the Creator’s Game,” according to a release by the Tewaaraton Foundation on May 27th.
Tribal Chief Michael Conners was in attendance at the scholarship award ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Washington, D.C. where Teiakotshatatenion, daughter of Kawennahente and Ian Clute, opened with the Ohèn:ton Karihwatéhkwen. Chief Conners shared, "It is an honor to witness another rising Akwesasne athlete to be recognized for their outstanding academic and athletic achievements. Jayden serves as a pillar of inspiration for our youth. His story, like many others from our community, offers a kind reminder that dedication and compassion will take you far."
Jayden James is a Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal member, whose lacrosse roots run deep as grandson to Ontario Hall of Fame and Akwesasne Hall of Fame Inductee Brian Conners. Jayden has established himself as an exceptional rising star on and off the field. Through his career at St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. he was a four-year National Honor Society Member and earned the Academic Honor with Distinction Award each year. Jayden is currently the top ranked defenseman in the Class of 2026. Additionally, he has garnered All-World Team honors, USA Lacrosse's All-American recognition, first-team All-Met, and first-team All-Star recognition with the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference.
In addition to his many academic and athletic achievements, Jayden desires to uplift others in need through various philanthropic endeavors including fundraising, charitable donations, and volunteering. Using winnings from a lacrosse tournament, he donated to help fund research and bring awareness to Parkinson’s Disease through Bigfoot Endurance, a cause that is deeply important to him. Throughout high school, he volunteered his time to prepare meals for women’s and homeless shelters in the D.C. area. This fall, James will attend Syracuse University, where he will join the Orangemen’s lacrosse program.
Tribal Council shared, "Jayden is among the many Mohawks who strive to make a better world through their community service, as well as their outstanding performance on the field and in the classroom. We congratulate him on his many achievements and will be cheering him on as he suits up for the Syracuse Orange next Spring."
Jayden joins previous Akwesasne Mohawk scholarship awardees Jianna Lazore (2025), Avery Doran (2024), Brett Bucktooth (2024), Wynter Jock (2023), Savanna Swamp (2023), Crayton Cree (2023), Peter Thais (2021), Yanenowi Logan (2020), Cobie Cree (2020), Jacelyn Lazore & Mirabella Lazore (2019), Isaiah Cree (2019), and Kason Tarbell (2014).
Please join us in congratulating Jayden and wishing him continued success at Syracuse University! Go Orangemen!
For more information on the award, please visit: https://bit.ly/3RpGDUC
