A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
These two young ladies demonstrated the Jingle Dance. Tewateronhiakothe Thomas and Wahianoren Francis.
On left, Kyden Burns and Jonah Beeson gave a show of Smoke Dance. Both are Kindergarten students at the St. Regis Mohawk School.
Bear Fox, now a culture teacher at SRMS, opened the dance social with a Thanksgiving Song she had written. The whole gym rang of voices of the children as they sang the chorus part. It was beautiful!
Tianna Back demonstrated Hoop dancing which she learned this past summer.
Exceptional performers will always be with us. On left: Shakotasta Thomas (Traditional Style) and Raronhiahawi Thomas (Smoke Dance)
The celebration of our culture at SRMS took place on November 19th in the gymnasium.
The day included social dancing for all grade levels with the staff as well as guests from the Ahkwesahsne community. The organizers for the day were the Mohawk Language teachers Sesi King, Angela Elijah, and Theresa Fox. During the morning hours, grades Pre Kindergarten - grade 3 attended and enjoyed all the songs and dancing. It was opened by one of Bear Fox’s own written songs “Ohenton Karihwatekwen.” It was so beautiful to hear the responses of all the young children. Some of our students performed the Smoke Dance; Kyden Burns and Jonah Beeson from Kindergarten were so cute as they showed us how to do it.
The afternoon was the time for the older students to come in and share all the dances. The performers were Tianna Back to demonstrate the Hoop Dance, Fancy was done by Kiana Thomas and Corie Francis, Traditional and Smoke were danced by Shakotasta Thomas and Skylar Thomas. The Ahkwesahsne Men Singers came together to present the music for the afternoon Social. Our main speaker for the entire day was Jerry McDonald as he announced and explained the meaning of the dances. It was so nice to have him as a guest and we are anxious for his return. Many positive comments from our staff were shared about the success of the social.
It was a very enjoyable and beautiful day to see so many students dressed in their Native Traditional wear. We want to have this special day of celebration of our people continue as a scheduled huge event. Someday, we would like to see it being held outdoors so our songs can be sent throughout the community. The students are learning so much about themselves and our culture and are encouraged to give thanks every day.
Niawen to our guest singers, family, friends, staff and to all who played a part during this wonderful event.
Photos by Sesi King
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