An interview with Stephen McComber who is a traditional Mohawk ceremonial faithkeeper of the Mohawk Trail Longhouse in Kahnawake, Quebec.

Stephen Angus McComber, also known as Silverbear, is one of the traditional Mohawk ceremonial managers of the Mohawk Trail Longhouse in Kahnawake. He is an award winning sculptor and recipient of the Canada Council for the Arts award (1985).  His works are part of numerous corporate and private collections, as well as in the permanent exhibit at the Pointe-à-Callière museum.  

The founder of the Haudenosaunee Seedkeeper’s group, Silverbear is known internationally as a traditional seedsaver, and keeper of traditional Iroquois seeds. Learning all his knowledge from his grandmother, he teaches about planting by the moon phases.

He has spoken about corn in conferences in Oaxaca (2012) and Yucatan (2016), Mexico.   As a respected seed elder, Silverbear has been an invited presenter at multiple conferences and events. 

​The proud grandfather of 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, Silverbear has worked as a native elder for Corrections Canada for the past 15 years. His hobbies include model airplanes and among his heroes is the immortal Jimi Hendrix.