SRCS Celebrates Native American Day with Fashion Show and Social

The Title VII Program along with the Salmon River Mohawk Club hosted a Fashion Show and Social Dance for the annual Native American Day Celebration at the Salmon River Central School on Tuesday Nov. 22. The festivities began at 8:30 am with a Fashion Show and Social for the Middle School grades, which was followed by lunch that included traditional corn soup and strawberry drink for the whole school. After lunch, it was the High School’s turn to participate in their own Fashion Show and Social.

A number of students wore traditional ribbon dresses and shirts to school on this day and more than a few modeled off outfits at the Fashion Shows. As students walked out to mid-stage to model the outfits they wore, middle school teacher Katsitsionni Fox, announced the students name, grade and maker of the dress they were wearing, whether it be from a family member or established dress-maker.

Students also gathered in the High School gymnasium where the Akwesasne Men’s Singing Group helped introduce, sing, and coordinate the dances. An overwhelming number of students and faculty participated in all dances. When the Teiokwatase:ton (Round Dance) song was performed, a second circle had to be created in order for all the participants to fit.

A student Film Showcase was also a part of the agenda for the festivities. Films that were shown were: “Rites of Passage” by Emerald Jock and Krissy White; “Lacrosse Legend and a Future Star” by Kevin Davey and Jay Square; and “The Akwesasne Freedom School Documentary” by Jerrad John, Quinton Wilson, and Tsionkie Cook.

As the Salmon River Central School is comprised of more than 70% Native student population, it is important to display and showcase Haudenosaunee culture in order to promote cross-cultural understanding in such a diverse school. Each year the Native American Day Celebration grows: students make more films, wear traditional outfits, and learn about different aspects of their language and culture that only make such events as successful as it has become and will become in the future.