Annie King

There are many different ways Akwesasronon impact the community, helping to make it a better place. The acts of our people do not have to be monumental; it is the little things that truly pull a community together. This weeks’ elder that Indian Time had the privilege of visiting was surprised when we turned up on her doorstep. Last week we highlighted an elder who had dinner with President Obama, this weeks’ elder prepares dinner every night for her grandchildren who she has taken into her home.

Annie King grew up in Kana:takon, attending school there until she completed Grade 8. Instead of continuing on to high school, Annie took the opportunity to explore the world and took a brave leap of faith in her own strength as she moved to Syracuse. A natural at taking care of others, Annie worked for various households by watching children in addition to raising her own. After 18-years living in Syracuse, Annie came home to work for the old age facility in Kana:takon before finally retiring in 2001.

This is when the real work began as Annie took on the care for four of her ten grandchildren; hobbies like quilt making, bingo and card tournaments round out her schedule. She has also been an active member with the Legion Auxiliary for the past 39 years, holding the Presidency for the local chapter for three of those years.

“The American Legion has definitely changed a lot in my 39-years there. All the young people are involved now, with lots of changes,” said Annie. “I remember being there when they first built that building, there was no flooring in the basement and we used to have dinner on dirt floors.”

Annie went on to explain that during the 50’s and 60’s the Legion opened their doors to host weddings, and that was when most of the development to the building happened. It was the responsibility of the Auxiliary to make arrangements for the hall, to do the shopping, cooking the food and making sure that everything was set for events.

With her recent hobby of quilting, Annie donated 3 quilts to the Akwesasne Winter Carnival Quilters Bingo event, which in turn donated the quilts to elders at Iakhihsohtha and Tsiionkwanonhsote. With an active household to maintain, Annie often works on her quilts until 1:00am. Presently, she had four quilts on hand that will be included in the Quilt Exhibition being hosted by the Mohawk Bingo Palace on Monday.

Humble about her own accomplishments, Annie excitedly shared many of the academic and sporting achievements of her grandchildren. With this type of support taking care of her family and providing a strong role-model to the youth of Akwesasne, Indian Time celebrates Annie King.