A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
Hundreds of students participated in Friday’s Native American Day events which ended with a social dance.
Alicia Francis, Tosakiateni McDonald, Kakwitene Thomas, Lilyann Laffin, Kawisonni White and Aubrey Phillips.
Students helped each other before the Fashion Show.
Sean Herne, Krista Oakes and Adam White.
William Bigtree, Quinton Wilson and Tristen Thompson.
Sandra Jackson, Morgan Oakes and Emily Tremblay.
The students modeled the clothing on stage in the auditorium.
Starlyn Mitchell modeling a contemporary outfit by Sandra Jackson.
Last Friday, high school and middle school students at Salmon River Central took part in a celebration of Native American culture as the school held festivities in recognition of Native American Heritage Month. Native American Day has been held at the school for the past several years.
A fashion show showcased the different styles and techniques found in traditional Mohawk clothing. It also highlighted the designing, sewing and beading talents of Akwesasne seamstresses and fashion designers. The fashion show even provided experience for the student models who got on stage to model the clothing.
A traditional social in the gymnasium brought the entire school together for singing and dancing that anyone could participate in. The Akwesasne Men Singers volunteered to providing drumming and singing and while the Mohawk students who are accustomed to the social songs were the first ones on the floor, their peers soon joined them making it a diverse and enjoyable event for the students.
Mohawk teacher Katsitsionni Fox initiated the festivities in 2002 and has been actively part of organizing it ever since.
“The first time we had this event, I was telling my mom about it and she couldn’t believe it,” Fox said. “Having gone to Salmon years ago, she never thought she’d see a day when the halls at SRC were filled with students wearing their traditional clothes, being celebrated for who they are.”
Fox said that students study cultures from all over the world and it’s great that the Mohawk culture is right next door for students to see and appreciate. Having Native American Day also gives the Mohawk students a time to embrace their heritage while sharing it with others.
“I think it gives them a sense of pride,” Fox said. “I see it in their faces…I hope it brings cultural awareness and mutual respect.”
Karen White and Beverly Lazore also organize a Native American Day celebration in the elementary at Salmon River in October, and together the two events incorporate Mohawk culture into the school’s curriculum.
“We certainly have had our struggles here at Salmon River, but on the other side of these struggles I think we have paved the way for other public schools,” Fox said. “We were the first to fly the Haudenosaunee Flag. We have the Opening Address at the changing of seasons, and incorporated as part of the Mohawk curriculum. We have many teachers who incorporate Haudenosaunee culture and history in their curriculum, a great example of this is the Teaching American History Through Haudenosaunee Eyes project. We have Mohawk Language starting at gr. 5 and were the first school to offer Mohawk Proficiency and Regents. We offer a Native Studies course and a Native Film course. We also have our Native American Day Celebration every year that everyone looks forward to staff and students alike.”
Along with the social and fashion show Friday, students also enjoyed strawberry drink and corn soup at lunch time prepared by Mrs. Claffey’s cooking classes. Those students also learned about washing white corn.
“The most important component of Native American day is the students. Many students volunteer and participate to cook, model, showcase their films, sing, dance and eat and have fun too,” Fox said.
Fox would like to thank the following people for making Native American Day a fun-filled, successful event: “I would like to say Niawen to the Administration and Staff for their cooperation in making Native American day run smoothly. I would like to thank Kawennahare Fox, Mrs. Claffy and her students for preparing the corn soup and strawberry drink. Niawen to my brother Karonhioton who donated the moose meat. A big Niawenkowa to SRC Mohawk Club for all of your hard work organizing this event, along with staff Margaret Lafrance, Martha Lickers, Kim Russell and Brenda David. I would also like to say Niawen to all of the designers, and all of the student models. Niawen to the Akwesasne Men singers and the young ladies who sang at the social and to all of the dancers. It was a great day.”
Photos by Shannon Burns and Jon Chodat.
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