Letter to the Editor

Sekoh Akwesasne,

I wanted to thank your Nation/community for publishing the Spring 2008 supplement to Indian time newspaper for educators and students. Just got a copy from Ionataie:was. I was happy to see that the article by Dave Fadden acknowledged the change in text book content in schools. My wife, Dawn Standing Woman, Mohawk! Turtle clan and I, Polish-Ukrainian, give classes at many local schools. We try to take them to a time before hardware stores, convenient shops, and cell phones. The bookshelves were filled with info on the longhouse, eastern, western culture. I am 63 years old now and I never fell for the old stereotypes. The supplement was a great affirmation, and what we have been teaching resonate fully. We never say anything to the public unless we’ve researched it.

Secondly, I met two young Mohawk men ages 9 and 8, at Tom Porter’s Strawberry festival this past June. I don’t remember their names, but they corrected my pronunciation when I attempted to speak the few Mohawk words I’ve learned. The nine year old played the only song he knew on my flute, and played it very well. Over the two days they sat with me and talked about many things while we made a flute from a blank. The youngster was gifted the flute and I hope it found its place at Akwesasne. The two young men were respectful; they listened well, they offered and got me drink when I was thirsty, and they spoke their Native language. Many thanks to your teachers for putting these two young ones on the right path. They are a treasure.

I have walked a Red path for as long as I can remember. I was born in Cohoes, NY, not far from the falls where the great peacemaker revealed his presence. A lot of people ask me if I am Native, it may be my Grandmothers Central Asian heritage showing up.

Now for a good laugh. When I gifted the young man the flute, I said, jokingly, “not bad for a white guy, eh?” In their innocence, they replied at the same time, “You’re white?” It took me a couple of minutes to stop laughing. Then they asked, “do you mind being white?” My reply .... “ Not today.”

Keep up the great work with your Youth; they gave me hope in the next generation.

Niawenkowa, Eric Marczak

Delanson, NY