AFS students and families attend Washington peace vigil

On October 10th and 11th, 2009 approximately 15 students along with parents and friends of the Akwesasne Freedom School were invited to attend the 17th “One Prayer Peace Vigil” in Washington, DC. The students of the Akwesasne Freedom School opened and closed the gathering with the Ohenten Kariwhatekwen and sang the Children Singing Peace Song. In addition parents, friends and children took turns tuning the Children’s Peace Bowls throughout the day and a half gathering.

The Prayer Vigil for the Earth is “ Where people of diverse faiths, cultures, backgrounds and ages come together to practice peace with self, peace with others, and peace with the Earth with One Mind, One Voice, One Heart and One Prayer.” The host tradition is Native American, joined by spiritual leaders and representatives from major faiths, spiritual beliefs and anyone who wants to be part of this magical, exhilarating and peaceful experience.

Each year, a sacred fire burns continuously in the center of a circle of tipis, African and Christian alters, a Jewish sukkah, a Tibetan stupa and other religious traditions’ symbols. There is a labyrinth, a Prayer Grove, a children’s activity area and other offerings. Prayers and ceremonies were continuous for 33 hours beginning Saturday at sunrise and concluding midday Sunday. Our children met Tibetan monks, Sufis, Taiko Drummers who were also jyorei healers, and chanting to name a few.

Dawn Ferguson who is the Composer, Creator and Director of Children Singing Peace Around the World (CSPAW), which she has shared around the world and has now been translated into 27 languages. Dawn came to the Akwesasne Freedom School in 2004 after being referred to the (late) Brian Skidders by a teacher from Japan, who apparently visited the school several times. By that time Brian had passed on and the school was now managed by Elvera Sargent. Elvera, along with help from Kiokwirokton, Dorothy Lazore, Thresa Fox, and Bonnie Whitlow eagerly took on the challenge of translating Dawn’s song and working with the children on a presentation of the meaning of Peace. A gathering, to be held in Hawaii on December 12, 2012, of all the communities that have been involved in this project have been invited to attend.

We also want to say a big NIAWEN KO:WA to the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and the MCA for their monetary donations to assist our group with our travel related costs. Niawen ko:wa to the children, they are awesome ambassadors for our Mohawk Nation.

Photos by Jessica Sargent