Bear Fox to receive National Award

A celebration will be held for a young woman Kenkiokoktha Theresa Bear Fox on Thursday July 16th.  The Mohawk Nation Longhouse will be the location for the gathering as we honor Bear for her contributions to the community of Ahkwesahsne. 

She will be receiving the First Peoples Fund “ Community Spirit Award”.

This honor was bestowed onto Bear from another well deserving honoree, Delia Cook.  Delia was nominated and selected in December of 2007.  At that time she was so surprised to hear of her nominationgiven by Ellen Mitchell.  Delia talked about her venture to South Dakota wher her presentation took place.  There were 4 selections made and were chosen from the 4 directions of our land.  These contributors from the present and past are all Onkwehonwe and each spoke about their gifts that they share with their communities.  Examples of their gifts are canoe making from natural resources, basketmaking, storytelling, language revival, painting, bead and quill worker, film makers and now song writing/singer.

Most recently, the 2009 First Peoples Fund added a move that would provide for the presentations of the Spirit Awards to take place in the hometown of the recipient. 

This was such a good idea because it would now allow family and friends the abilty to attend the celebrations.

When Delia was selected and travelled to South Dakota, she spoke about her involvement with “Daughters of Tradition”.  Delia had a circle of girls whom she would talk to about life and respect.  Discussions of this sort are so much needed for our young people.  She is still somwhat in touch with them and many have grown and will always have that strong connection to her teachings.  Niawen for all the wisdom you shared with our future adults.

Now, it is the opportunity for Theresa Kenkiokoktha, “Bear “ to share her gift with Ahkwesahsne.  She will be receiving a prestigious National Award from the Peoples Fund “Community Spirit Award”.  The other winners will also be present at this celebration.  Kenkiokoktha will tell about her songwriting and her singing and how she touches so many people of our community.  Within her songs are the experiences that are so common to many other peoples lives.  She sings to the youngest of

children all the way to our valuable elders, many who have inspired her songs.  Some of her songs embrace the Kanienkeha language and she has written songs that help young people to learn the language easier.  Her name “Bear” , when mentioned, lights up faces of many young people who adore her and want to sing like her.  She helps them to be proud of who they are and shows her love in all she does.  She has an extra busy life as she helps to raise 5 children, Iahonwa:awi, Niharonhia:a, Karoniote, Sha’tekaronhioten, tanon Tewenteneh.  Kenkiokoktha and Karonhioten  have done a very good job of raising their family and must be proud.

Besides her family, Kenkiokoktha wishes to thank so many people who have helped her on her  way to where she’s at. You will be remembered always.

This happy event of the award presentation will take place on THURSDAY July 16th at 4:30.  It will be followed by a POTLUCK dinner at 5 pm.  A SOCIAL Dance will complete the evening at the MOHAWK NATION LONGHOUSE.

So, all of you, get those moccasins out and come on over for a fun gathering to celebrate the accomplishments to a much loved Bear.