Akwesasne Freedom School Holds Annual Quilt Raffle

On Sunday the Akwesasne Freedom School held its annual quilt raffle, which helps support the operation of the Freedom School. The event, which runs until the last quilts are sold, featured many of the same things as the race did. There was music, crafts, raffles, a silent auction, the quilt auction, and food. The steak and cornbread dinner, put on by Big E, was extraordinary, and worth every bit of the $15 price tag. Musical performances by Crow and the Crosswinds Band entertained people before the auction. This year marked the 33rd year that the Freedom School held their dinner and quilt auction.

The Auction and Dinner is the biggest fundraising event the school has and it generates most, if not all, of the revenue to operate the school all year. All of the parents are asked to donate one quilt, as their part to participate and help the school. So there are 35 sets of parents, each of whom contributed at least one quilt. There are also people from outside the community who have been donating for many years. Kay Olan, and her group the Piecemakers, has been donating two quilts for the last 15 years.

Okiokwinon, the ohenten iiete, or office manager, was running around greeting people and seeing to the success of the quilt auction. This is her first year as office manager. Okiokwinon is an alumni of the Freedom School, along with her sister who performed at the Survival Race, the day previous.

The Freedom School was started in 1979 as a way to ensure the survival of Mohawk culture and language. Over the years it has grown, and enjoys the support of its families. Many of the people helping are either parents or alumni.

In all, the quilt sale looks to have raised around $39,500!

Okiokwinon said, “Look out for us next year, and any support we get from the community is amazing.”