Akhwesashne Ionkwakiohkwa Snye Homemakers: Past Present and Future

The Chenail Homemakers began in the early 1940’s. It started as a part of mutual aid initiative, at the home of Richard and Anna Sunday located on the River Road in Tsi Snaihne. For several years the members met at the Sunday home, or sometimes moved from home to home. The members got together to make baskets, which was their income.

In the late 1970’s, a new Snye School was built on School Road. At that point the Snye Homemakers were granted permission to move into the building. For several years the Homemakers shared its space to house the Adult Education programs.

In addition to serving as a wake center, the Homemakers were very active during the 1980’s and early 1990’s. The members met every Monday to sew quilts, make baskets, they offered Mohawk language classes, ribbon shirt making, beading and even had a dance troupe that traveled around the area. Many gatherings and activities took place at the center. The Homemakers were also noted for their Ace to King tournaments.

Over the years there have been many struggles for the group, however they always managed to keep going. The center slowed down when several of our older members passed onto the spirit world. However, several dedicated members continued to work hard to keep it going. Many of our community members saw this as the last resting place of their family members.

In 2008 the old building was torn down to make way for a new building, which is now completed. The members have reorganized and even changed the name a bit. It is now known as Akwesasne Ionkwakiokwa, however most people still call it the Snye Homemakers! The new building houses a wake center and a multi-purpose gathering center. The wake center is non-denominational and open to all Akwesasrónon. Membership is also open to all Akwesasrónon.

During the past two years fundraisers included:

Pie Sales around Thanksgiving

2010 and 2011 golf tournament,

Xmas Vendor shows

Tsi Snaihne Winter Carnival

Xmas Tree Memorial Bulbs; the lights on the tree are left on throughout the year.

May Devotion: during the month of May, prayers are held each evening from 6 – 7 pm. It is known as May Devotion and has always been a custom in the community for the people of the Catholic faith. If the center has a rental then the prayers are usually held at Sally’s house.

Mind, Body and Spirit teachings are also offered throughout the year

During the summer of 2011, sewing and cooking classes were held for youth between the ages of 10-15 thanks to funding provided by the NCBR.

There are many people to say niawen ko:wa (big thanks) to for their donations and financial assistance since our reopening, such as:

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne for providing funds to build the new center

St. Regis Mohawk Tribe

Akwesasne Mohawk Casino

Ganienkeh Mohawk community

Tsi Snaihne Recreation Committee

Russell “Hoss” Mitchell Memorial Dance

Akwesasne business community

Akwesasne community

St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Environment Division who donated a computer.

2010 & 2011 Expenditures

Custom built storage shed, painted,

and shelves installed

Table ware – cups, dishes, flat ware,

Pots & Pans

Window treatments

Office set up – desk, printer, copier

SRMT Environment – donated

computers,

set up

Tables – 20 folding

Chairs – 35 folding

Rugs

Accent tables

Sewing machines

Tree Planting

Signs

Cleaning/Supplies

Carport (painting)

Sidewalk Installation, painting

Upcoming events:

1. Sunday brunch – June 3rd, 10 am – 2 pm.

2. During the month of July on Wednesday evening we are going to have Mohawk bingo (there will be no English used) and it is meant to create dialogue and have fun!!

3. Open House (tentatively scheduled for August)

The center is available for rental for your events, however keep in mind that the priority is a wake center, and if a family needs it all other reservations are bumped. However during the past 2 years only 2 reservations have been bumped. Rentals include: meetings, conference, birthday or baby shower, etc.

It is a drug and alcohol free facility

Rental Costs: Wake = $300 + $100 cleaning deposit

Other rentals between $100-$300 depending on time and room used.

Contact Information for Rentals: Elvera 358-9146

Don’t forget the Building Rules:

Our priority is to allow families to hold their family member’s wake at a lower price than the funeral home. However, in order for us to keep costs down we need your assistance by ensuring there is not any damage to this facility. The Homemaker’s respectfully request the following from our renters:

Wake food and its preparation is the family’s responsibility.

Smoking and ashtrays are only at the back of the building.

Please dispose of your butts in the ashtray.

No smoking in front of building.

Do not block exit/entry doors.

The building is to be cleaned & left in same condition as when you rented it.

Please replace all items you use i.e: plates, coffee, water, bathroom supplies.

Please no standing/sitting on outside railings.

The Homemakers ask that you respect this facility. Parents, please monitor your children by keeping them at your side while you are attending a wake. It is not the time for playing and running around outside! They are your responsibility and any damages will also be your responsibility.