Kana:takon students celebrate National Aboriginal Week

With National Aboriginal Week taking place from June 16th to June 19th, students at Kana:takon School had a myriad of culturally relevant activities to take part in.

Beginning on Monday, students participated in a smoke dance competition on Monday. Then they sat inside a giant teepee set up in their schoolyard to listen to guest speaker Bob Stevenson talk about their culture. Inside the school, students watched the film “Running Brave”, which tells the story of Native athlete Billy Mills.

Mohawk singer Bear Fox performed for the students on Monday as well, and visitors from the Thompson Wellness Center also spoke with students about spiritual legends and lore.

“Our day was a great success due to Mother earth cooperating by giving us Sunshine all day and a whole lot of help from singers Dudes Thompson, Steven King, Josh Sergeant, Ian Clute, and our Master of Ceremonies Sarah Herne,” said Kana:takon School officials. “Niawen ko:wa for making this day a wonderful cultural experience for Kana:takon School students.”

On Tuesday, the students were invited to attend the Native Film Festival in Cornwall, which showcased film work done by students in Akwesasne speaking in Mohawk. During the afternoon, Kana:takon students participated in or were audience members for a fashion show that showcased designs by Marlana Thompson.

On Wednesday, the students went to Milles Roche Beach in Long Sault to swim, play games and have a picnic in honor of Billy Mills.

The events were scheduled to come to an end Thursday with the creation of four massive wampum belts by students, as well as a moccasin/barefoot lacrosse tournament at the school.

The school would like to thank the cultural group of Owen Green, Dakota Lazore, Kaitlyn White, Kelsey David, Megan Powless, Chantal Jacobs, Geri-Leigh Thompson, Brittany Oakes and Adrienne Thompson for coordinating and running the concession stand. They also thank the smoke dance competition judges Dawn Jacobs, Kuylin Chaussi, Justice Thompson and Shyla Oakes.

Winners of the Smoke Dance competition were:

Tiny Tots:

1st: Chanel Thompson-Thomas

K4/K5 Girls

1st: Janie Johnson

2nd: Kayden Jacobs

3rd: Secora Oakes

K4/K5 Boys

1st: Kyler Powless

2nd: Saber Hemlock

3rd: Damien Lazore

Open Girls

1st: Kiakowisonkies Phillips

2nd: Feryn King

3rd: Sydney Oakes

Open Boys

1st: Mason Phillips

2nd: Timmy Jacobs

3rd: Kahiio Oakes