St. Lawrence University President Fox visits Akwesasne Cultural Center

On Jan. 20, St. Lawrence University President William L. Fox, along with several other representatives, visited the Akwesasne Cultural Center to honor their unique partnership and long history.

“What have given St. Lawrence University its character is the Akwesasne community’s special part in St. Lawrence history.” said President Fox during his talk with Akwesasne community members. “We need to celebrate that and learn about it.”

The University played a major part in the creation of the Akwesasne Cultural Center, which is the first Indian library on a reservation in US and one of 3 libraries identified by the Indian Education Association and the Federal government as a library. They have also been committed to providing educational opportunities for Mohawk students through tutoring programs and summer programs, such as Summer Bridges and Upward Bound. Programs that expose Mohawk high school students to the college environment. To date, approximately 150 Mohawks have graduated from St. Lawrence University.

Akwesasne is also helping to provide educational opportunities for other St. Lawrence University students. Brenda Papineau, 2002 St. Lawrence University graduate, works in the Department of Community-Based Partnership and is helping place students in Akwesasne to learn about and serve their community-based requirements. Currently, there are 16 St. Lawrence University students serving Akwesasne in various departments and programs and taking their college courses via distance learning at the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club.

During his visit, President Fox also toured the Museum’s newest exhibit as they prepare for the return of the Wolf Belt. President Fox expressed his appreciation that there is still so much to learn from Akwesasne and hopes that his visit is just the beginning of more conversation.

Photo by Mary La France