IGA Closure: We can do better

As May approaches, with it comes the imminent closure of the First Americans First IGA. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe said, “Continuing to subsidize the IGA operation is no longer feasible.” Simply put, it was too big and too expensive. “I paid less for nearly all my family’s groceries by driving to Massena.” When I would shop there I would spend $19.75 and be ineligible for the give away.

It isn’t hard to see why though. In Massena are national chains with the buying power and often low prices that national chains bring. Well, now it’s too late and we can’t do much to salvage IGA, but we can take the opportunity to utilize the space left to feed our people, as well as serve the community in a broader sense.

First Suggestion: utilize part of the space for a farmer’s market.

Picture this: Produce is priced fairly, and at its freshest; we could eat fresh picked veggies every day; we actually meet, and establish relationships with the people who grow our food.

There are more than a few local farmers in Akwesasne and beyond, who grow fresh produce, who take pride in their wares. Imagine if now, some of our food would travel only a few miles rather than a few countries to get to us. Once upon a time we grew all of our own food. I am sure you all remember that we were once a heavily agricultural society and grew much of our food.

I believe that we should also be using the opportunity to encourage more individual and community gardens, and “grow” an Agro-economy here in Akwesasne. Turn a failed project into a thriving hub that benefits the entire community. Open it up to our Neighbors as well, charge a fee to have a booth, and we both benefit.

I know people who have their own grass fed cows here in Akwesasne; I sure would love to have the opportunity to purchase free-range cows for a fair price and do it locally; I want to support my people.

The possibilities are nearly limitless, the benefits are many, and any economic opportunity that moves us any closer to self-sustainability is the direction that I think we need to be heading in. Now, lets talk family enrichment.

Second Suggestion: A family fun environment for young and old.

One thing the area is lacking is activities for youth and families. The arcade in Massena is sad and expensive. There is no climbing wall, or LazerTag style activities. Bowling is fun, but there’s a bar, and some people are unwilling to bring their children around alcohol. So why not use part of the building to address this? Fill it with fun and family friendly activities.

Make this a safe place for our youth to blow off some steam and have fun, all close to home. Have classes teaching pottery, cooking, moccasin making; anything that families can do together.

Think of it, a family fun center, conspicuously close to a casino with a hotel. This could be a draw for AMC as well, which is always a good thing, transforming the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino into a family destination, and in turn increasing tourism dollars.

These are but two ideas, and only ideas. With some thought and some community involvement, we could see some major use out of this building to everyone in the community’s benefit. I mainly want to start the dialog, get everyone thinking about it, because all tribal ventures should benefit us all, right?

This has been just some food for thought.