Cultural center to host aboriginal re-enactment workshop

Submitted by Ronathahonni Cultural Centre

When it comes to history, there are those who just read about it, and then there are those who live it. At historical sites throughout North America, there are annual events in which people dress up in period clothing, re-enact battles, and camp out using the type of tents and gear used by people from long ago. It is a way of life that has come to be called “living history” and its practitioners “living historians.”

The Ronathahon:ni Cultural Centre is organizing a special event to be held the last weekend in February. The Akwesasne Living History Workshop will introduce community members to the world of historical re-enacting.

This workshop will focus on the era of the French and Indian War (1754-1763), the American Revolution (1776-1784), and the War of 1812 (1812-1815). This was a pivotal era of Akwesasne history. Along with the American Civil War, these conflicts have attracted the most attention from historical re-enactors. There are at least three events each year within an hour’s drive from Akwesasne, but for the most part, there hasn’t been much involvement by aboriginal peoples in living history events. The Ronathahon:ni Cultural Centre hopes to change that by hosting a workshop that will not only encourage participation, but provide accurate information and materials necessary for getting involved.

Our key presenters will be Michael and Tonia Iakonikonriio Galban, Ken Hamilton, Nicole Johnson, and Ward Oles. They will cover the basics of historical re-enacting as well as how to make various clothing, trade silver, and accoutrement. Each of these individuals has been involved in living history events at the Ganondagan State Historic Site near Victor, New York, and at various events throughout the Northeast.

In addition to presentations and hands-on workshops, several lucky Akwesasronon will be picked out of the crowd to be fully outfitted and photographed in period clothing and accoutrement.

This will all take place at the Seniors Center in Hogansburg on Saturday, February 27, and Sunday, February 28, from 9 am to 4 pm each day.

The Akwesasne Living History Workshop is coordinated by Darren Bonaparte and Barbra Arquette of the Ronathahon:ni Cultural Centre. For more information, please call 613.932.9452.