Entewatathá:wi Program will host Akwesasne Youth Forum

Akwesasne, ONTARIO — On August 13, 2008, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Entewatathá:wi Program, formerly known as “Nation Building,” will be holding the Akwesasne Youth Forum “Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders” at the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk School on Kawehnoke. The focus of the event is to educate and get feedback from local youth on Entewatathá:wi,  a term meaning “we will govern” that is used to describe the jurisdictional process currently being undertaken by MCA.

“The forum will allow the youth of Akwesasne to learn about and have a say on the jurisdictional process,” said Entewatathá:wi Program Coordinator Angie Barnes. “It’s an opportunity for youth to advise and help guide a process that will eventually become a stepping stone for our community’s future.”

The day-long event will feature keynote speakers that will engage and encourage youth to increase their involvement in community affairs. Speeches are intended to spark and inspire forum participants to help make the community a better place. The forum is designed to provide youth with an active role in determining Akwesasne’s future.

A presentation will be provided on Entewatathá:wi, which is an effort to move way from the Indian Act and develop more respectful relations with Canada, Ontario and Quebec, that recognizes Akwesasne’s capacity to exercise local jurisdiction in respective areas. It will include discussions on why new arrangements with external governments are needed, what administrative controls have already been assumed, and what plans are being considered for the future, as well as how guidance can be provided.

Forum participants will have a chance to break into various focus groups to examine the various Entewatathá:wi Working Group Tables, with working group representatives facilitating discussions and sharing information related to their topic. Each focus group will discuss community concerns and pertinent issues as we work towards becoming self-governing and assuming local authority.

Youth will also prepare for their professional careers by taking part in a mini-career fair led by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Human Resource Department. They will receive assistance on preparing a resume, proper interview etiquette, and information on future employment opportunities.

Throughout the day, forum participants will complete surveys to be eligible to win various prizes in drawings that will be conducted.  By submitting their survey responses on topics related to the day’s discussions; they will have a chance to win an iPod, movie passes for the Galaxy Cinema in Cornwall, or tickets for a lacrosse game at the A’nonwarako:wa Arena.

Registration forms are available at MCA Administration Building #2 in Kanatakon. To be eligible, youth must be working through the Akwesasne Area Management Board Summer Students Program, be a member of the Mohawks of Akwesasne, or be a student working for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.

“Akwesasne is building a new path that is leading us to take over the management and control of our community by moving away from the Indian Act,” noted Kawehnoke District Chief and Entewatathá:wi Portfolio Chair Nona Benedict. “We’re urging the youth of Akwesasne to participate in the Youth Forum and be part of a process that will determine their future,” Chief Benedict added.

For more information on the Akwesasne Youth Forum, please contact Kelsey Thompson at the Entewatathá:wi Program at (613) 575-2348 (extension 2239).