Niawen

Dear Akwesasronon:

On behalf of Akwesasne Eagle Watch, I’d like to thank everyone who participated in our Mini Smoke Dance Competition held September 1st.   I would also like to thank the other members of Eagle Watch and their families who did so much to pull this event together, niawenkowa! A big thank you to Paul Thomas, Dean George, Bear Fox, Ryan and Kanera Phillips and their awesome kids for being Smoke Dance instructors along with Ie’nikonriiostha Elijah-you guys are just awesome! Also, to Janique Odjick and Benny Herne for setting up the sound system and to the staff at the St. Regis Mohawk school for allowing us to use the space. Niawen to the Hotinohsonni Cultural Group and to Kanahstatsi for sharing your wonderful performance and for going out of your way to help us stack chairs after! Thank you to everyone who volunteered to help with soup, bread, dessert and drinks: Bea White, Katrina Herne, Martha Lickers, Dawn LaFrance, Dionne Lafrance,  Kaniehtine LaFrance, Flo-Anne, Mark and Jillian Benedict, Phillip and Mary Gray, Kahontineh Swamp for being the emcee, Randi Barreiro for helping to judge, Cheyenne Doxtador Swamp for making the cool Smoke Dance CDs we gave to all participants. If I forgot anyone, I apologize-there were just so many wonderful people who came out to support this event for our kids and to help out Eagle Watch!  And last but not least, my sincerest apologies for the HEAT-I am so sorry and a very extra special thank you to everyone for braving the heat!! It was terribly hot, but you were troupers so thank you for making this event a success!

Niawen,

Danielle Lazore-Thompson

AEW