Tribe’s Economic Development Department to conduct survey

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Department of Economic Development is preparing to conduct a survey to determine the needs of local artists and craftspeople in promoting Mohawk art and culture.  The survey is designed to determine how the tribe can help local artisans in the areas of business development and training.  This effort to assist artists and craftspeople is part of the tribe’s larger Cultural Tourism strategy to increase tourism to the Akwesasne Territory.

“Mohawk artistic tradition and those who carry on this tradition are invaluable assets to our community, not only in terms of potentially attracting tourists to our area, but in preserving Mohawk traditional culture,” said Chief James Ransom.  “The tribe is in the position to provide assistance to Mohawk artists and artisans and we want to promote their work.”

The survey will take place over a six week period and will be conducted by community consultants Darlene Francis and Elvera Sargent beginning the week of November 3rd through November 28th.  Most of the surveys will be conducted by phone to get input directly from artisans in order to most closely meet their needs.  “We are happy to be working with the Office of Economic Development on this project,” said Darlene Francis.  “A lot is going on right now with the North Country art community, so the timing is good to start the process of promoting Mohawk artists.”

Tribal Economic Planner Lindsay Tarbell has been working with a large group of community members to coordinate development of the questionnaire.  “It’s been a collaborative effort and I have received excellent feedback on revisions.  We will get valid and reliable data that will help us construct a useful method to meet the needs of our artisan community.”  The survey is short and only takes about five to six minutes to answer.  Results will be compiled and form the basis for further action from the tribe’s Office of Economic Development

For the past six months, the tribe has been working with many community members on a comprehensive Cultural Tourism strategy to raise the tribe’s profile and increase tourism by bringing in more visitors to the area with the aim of economic diversification.  Those wishing to participate in the survey may call Darlene Francis at 518-358-9886 or Elvera Sargent at 518-358-9146.