News From the Akwesasne Freedom School

By Arisawe Nanticoke

The memories of times when a mother saw her child leave for school for the very first time, is one that will be held forever. The excitement a child feels, knowing that he or she is about to ride the big bus because "I'm a big kid now," but still feeling afraid about leaving the familiarity and safety of home, stirs up so many emotions. "Should I be happy or should I cry?" "I think I'll cry. Just a little." And, the child doesn't even know that his or her mother is crying a little too, although she tries to put on a brave face for her little one.

Can you imagine, feeling emotional on a first school day and then again on the last school day of the year? When you're a student at the Akwesasne Freedom School, you learn early that the future of the Kanienkehaka weighs, not only your shoulders, but on your whole family and extended family too.

At the beginning of the school year, parents entrust their child's care and learning to the teachers. They introduce their child to the teacher. They tell the teacher the child's name, clan, what they enjoy doing (maybe it's their gift), and hopes for success in learning the language and culture of the Hotinonhshonni. This is done ceremonially in what is called the Receiving Ceremony. It's an emotional time for the parents, especially for those who have little ones starting school for the first time. It's not because of the separation but it's the pride they feel knowing that this child will begin a journey that will grow the heart, mind and spirit of the Nation.

On June 25, 2014, the Ahkwesahsne Freedom School held their Releasing Ceremony at the Mohawk Nation Longhouse. This ceremony is usually held on the school grounds but the rain chose that day to soak the gardens so the people moved their business indoors. Since the teachers at the school received the children, it was now time to release them back to the parents so that they would prepare to meet a new teacher in their next level of learning.

The Longhouse was most appropriate for this ceremony. One by one, each level were released to their parents. The girls in each class made a round by singing a Seed Song before sitting on a row of benches in the middle of the floor. The boys made their round, being led by a singer who shared his Atonwa Song, before joining the girls on the bench. Parents of the students in the class sat on a row of benches across from their child as the teacher spoke of the journey they shared together throughout the past year and that they encouraged the parents and students to continue to share the language while they are out of school.

Again tears fall. But this time the teachers are the ones who will see "their" children move on. They've become so close that the students do become the children of the teacher and tears of pride well in their eyes as the children are released to their parents.

The Akwesasne Freedom School is a small alternative school that provides all subjects in Kanienkeha (Mohawk language). The students learn Language, Math, Science, Reading and Writing in Kanienkeha. More importantly, the students gain a great understanding, responsibility, value, respect and love for being Onkwehonwe. They learn the teachings surrounding the ceremonies that honor the natural world as life is renewed. They learn the songs and words to share, that will acknowledge and be grateful for the Four Sacred Ceremonies at the start of the New Year cycle and all the ceremonies as the renewals continue throughout the year.

The school began in 1979, at a time when the traditional people decided that public schools didn't fulfill the needs of the Nation. There was a need to ensure the language, culture and traditions of the Hotinonhshonni would survive, and the mainstream public schools could not fulfill that need.

In the 35 years of its existence, the Akwesasne Freedom School has been a model for many Nations to follow. They've received visitors from all over the world and have always been willing to share their experience, and like anything new, it all begins with dedicated and devoted people.

The operation of the school depends upon the parents through fundraising and other committees. Teachers are dedicated to ensure the survival of the language and the school is honored to have these devoted people. There's also an office personnel, including a Payroll Clerk and Office Manager, whose duties are to ensure smooth operating in the school year-round. This past winter, two new programs were introduced at the Akwesasne Freedom School, a Language Nest that provides childcare in a family type, home setting and a High School Program. Look for more information on both of these new and exciting programs in future issues of the Indian Time.