Konon:kwe Council Hosts O'tsienhahkta' Men's Gathering

The Konon:kwe Council was created to “reconstruct the power of our origins through collaborative approaches to the care, empowerment, and transformation of a traumatized indigenous community.” Beverly Cook, Jessica Danforth, and Katsi Cook were concerned about the severity, frequency and the hidden nature of violence in Akwesasne, and with this in mind they created the Konon:kwe Council. It was formed by proactive women who saw a need to help women and men who have been traumatized by violence, and they made the collective decision to do something about it. Karonienhawi Thomas, Louise McDonald and Randi Rourke Barreiro later joined to complete the Council, each adding their own strengths in different areas, but all coming together with the sole intention of assisting people who need to heal and to move past the stage of survival, and thrive in life. The Konon:kwe Council’s goal is to develop and advance women-centered policies that encourage engagement, educating people, and empowering women and men to end violence in Akwesasne.

With this goal, the Konon:kwe Council is hosting the O’tsienhahkta’ Men’s Gathering on August 17 and 18, 2013 at Tsionkwanatiio (Route 37C, Akwesasne). O’tsienhahkta means “Near the Fire.” According to Konwahahawi Herne of ACT NOW, “We are planning an assembly of great speakers of all ages. Women are welcome to attend, but must bring a man. If there is a man in your life that needs a change…this is it! Men from across the Confederacy will have conversations based in Haudenosaunee perspectives and ideals.” They are also offering a daily sweat at 7am and a traditional opening at 9am for each day. On Saturday for a bit of fun and good exercise you can join in on a pick-up lacrosse game. Registrations are $20.00 per day and remember to register early, as space is limited to only 150 people. For more information and registration forms visit the Konon:kwe Council at http://www.kononkwe.com or contact Konwahahawi at [email protected] or call 518 651 9087. You can also find Konon:kwe Council and registration forms on Facebook. As of press time we have not received a confirmed schedule of events or speakers for The Men’s Gathering.