Annual Quilt Auction for Akwesasne Freedom School

On Sunday afternoon, August 24, 2014, the annual quilt auction took place at the Akwesasne Freedom School grounds with many people present. Also on this day, was the steak and cornbread sale along with the Silent Auction held inside the school with beautiful items donated by the parents of the students who attend this Mohawk immersion school running into its 30th year of operation. The largest fundraiser for the school is the annual quilt raffle and steak and cornbread dinner. The local community, as well as visitors from surrounding areas, come to support the school of the children.The parents are responsible to provide a quilt for the auction, which provides a huge amount of support for the school. As well, singing performances take place on Saturday to entertain the public. There are also vendors selling cultural and handmade items throughout the two days. A survival race also kicked off the Akwesasne Freedom School fundraiser on Saturday.

These two days were blessed with beautiful, warm and sunny weather. The auction was about to begin as people hurried to get their paddles. Casey Kiawentonteh Swamp, a former AFS student, took time from his business Swamp's Performance to give the school a donation. It was through an event called, "Cruisin' for Kids" along with Marissa Vickers. The two of them handed a check to Alvera Konwanahktotani Sargent in the amount of $500.00 for AFS students. On behalf of all students and staff, we say "niawen".

This year, about 37 quilts were viewed and admired. Quilt bids ranged from $75.00 to $1550.00, eight of them rose above the $1000.00 mark. They were all so beautiful!

At the intermission of the auction, a very respected elder, Tom Porter, took the stage for a few words. He always enjoys offering a story as much as people enjoy listening to him. He began by saying hello to all the friends, family and parents that were present. He told about how he was among the first people to help begin and open the doors of the Akwesasne Freedom School. He announced how very proud he is to be one of the people to do that for our children. He looked around at the crowd and he said, "It is so good to see some of the original teachers still here. In the beginning, the parents used to have community bingoes to help raise money for the expenses of the school. Many people still miss these bingoes and get togethers." Tom said he was the director for about one or two years. Before the AFS started, there was another school called "The Indian Way School" and was implemented by the late Ann Jock. She was very convinced that our own people had to teach and not depend on the State. The young people needed a cultural education. There was some resistance by some people about her school but it kept going. The same attitudes were directed at the AFS, but it kept going and still is, even with the criticisms.

Tom shared the story about his two daughters about after the girls left to attend Jr. high in Massena. People said they wouldn't be able to read. He was worried, but when it was time for report cards, he was given good news. One daughter missed the honor roll by one point and the other girl did make the honor roll. "I was so happy I wanted to dance," said Tom. The school is a good school after all and he told some of his relatives who didn't have so much faith in it. Tom continued to share more discussions and really knows how to forward the humor as well as good teachings. He surrounds himself with such happiness all the time. It is so nice when he is with us.

Before the auction ended, a raffle ticket had been chosen from a bucket. It was for an acrylic painting done by Andy Swamp. The proceeds of the prize is to help repair a van to make it more handicap accessible for Andy since he has been stricken with RA and it is difficult for him to get around. The winner was Iakorentha Elijah. Niawen to all the people who purchased tickets for Andy on his beautiful work.