Niawen

I had planned on doing an article about things that we are thankful for around Thanksgiving but it didn’t work out. Once in awhile I find it good to give shout-outs to those individuals and programs in Akwesasne that we may take for granted. There are tons of good folks in our community who we may be shy to tell good job or thanks for stepping up. I remember back when I was a kid the lack of events, activities and playground equipment. In the last twenty years we have gone from one or two family events a year to a few if not more per month. And they are in every district of Akwesasne. I would like to say Good job and Niawen to all the people who work at Dr. Navaneelan’s Dental clinic in Kanatakon. You make my job of taking in the brothers for cleanings and work smooth sailing! Imagine having two little boys who look forward to the dentist because everyone is so nice and welcoming. A big Niawenkowa to the Snye Recreation Committee for the Halloween party, the Christmas Enchantment and all the hard workers behind the scenes at various community events hosted there. Also the St. Regis Recreation committee for their events! Our little family enjoys it all and are so grateful that there are volunteers who step up and go above and beyond for all of us. Though I haven’t seen Binky Herne in a long time I need to say Niawen for all the hard work and patience you showed little Brother during times of his speech hurdles. We still think of you and you gave us the tools to work with our baby. The staff at the Akwesasne Library, for always having such an inviting and fun area for our little ones to enjoy at the library. Niawen for not giving me evil glares while my sons talked too loud or ran through the bookshelves like they were at cosmic adventures. I know, I know it’s against the rules but thank you for not banning them. We do love the library and thanks to you our eight year old reads chapter books as thick as his mom. The Akwesasne Coalition for their planning and fun family functions, way to step up and make things happen. I know I am not the only parent who was impressed with the brand new playground equipment at the St. Regis Mohawk School this September! How amazing it is. And Niawen to all the schools who have open doors when it comes to your playground equipment, my kids along with lots of others know how fun each school is. Also the Generations Park playground is a gem. To whomever thought that up and made it happen...Way to go! We all love that place. To all the teachers who are giving our children the gift of our own language. Niawen! I don’t know if I’m the only one but when I hear kids at a playground shouting to each other in our language it makes me teary. Growing up I never heard it and now it is all around us. Niawen to the Tota who waited for me and held the door open while I carried a sleeping Little Brother into the store. I was grateful enough but then she followed me around the store grabbing my items for me and carried them to the register. That made my day! To all my fellow moms who share a smile or a laugh when one or both of our children do something ridiculous, thanks. We may be strangers but it’s always nice to have an understanding person at the clinic while your kid decides he’s going to act possessed! To our mailwoman who allowed me to just put money in my mailbox for a stamp instead of missing them at the post office for a fourth day in a row, Niawen! And finally, a good job to the special people behind the scenes at the Akwesasne Basket Drive and the Boys and Girls Club. You all are making a difference with your efforts and I hear how appreciative some families are for your assistance. Great job to the Akwesasne Family Wellness Program for the inspiring and uplifting event you held. I felt awkward going there late and having Little Brother with me. I half expected to be told it was an adult only day but am very grateful that he was welcome to stay with me while I attended. It made me feel like I was on the right path when one of your speakers talked about how native women always bring their children with them to something important. If it comes down to missing it or taking a baby with you, we take our cling-ons! I could go on forever about all the wonderful goings on in our community but I’m keeping it to the most recent.