A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
Fashion show designers, models and performers. Back row: Autumn Mitchell, Travayla Back, Mia Arnold, Mikayla Francis, Kawenniostha Jock and Teiehnekoiaks, Feryn King, Kianna Burns, Teioswathe Cook, Melissa Moschillo, Allison Boots, Tyson Thompson, Rennyn Roundpoint, Roryn Roundpoint, and Cortland Sunday. Front row: Mason Cree, Layla Back, Mercedes Rourke-Rodriguez, Hendrix Rourke, Mya Cree, and Ariyah Lafrance.
The Akwesasne Freedom School students on campus. Photos courtesy of Chelsea Sunday.
Kontiwennenhawi - Akwesasne Women Singers led the Social.
Submitted by PANA
November is Native American Heritage Month and all across the country Native people took to celebrating their cultures in a multitude of ways. The Potsdam Association of Native Americans (PANA), a student-led organization at SUNY Potsdam, joined in with their own line up of activities which were open to students and residents of surrounding communities. Among some of those activities were the "We are a Culture, Not a Costume," campaign, guest speakers, beading workshops, and Rock Your Mocs Week. The month wrapped up with the main events that were celebrated on Thursday, November 20th.
The day started off with an impacting note as PANA was host to students of the Akwesasne Freedom School. The young group took to the Barrington Student Union lobby at lunch time (the busiest time of the day) dressed in their traditional outfits and proudly sang and danced to songs that they had been working very hard on. University staff and students were nothing but impressed and appreciative of the beautiful display of culture that they were able to experience that day. In honor and appreciation of the work that the Akwesasne Freedom School did in collaborating with PANA and for their undying commitment to the Mohawk culture and language, PANA presented a $100 donation to the students for their future endeavors.
Later that evening, PANA hosted the Native American Heritage Fashion Show and Iroquois Social, the main events of the day. The show included a line up of traditional outfits as well as powwow dance exhibitions by local artists and dancers. Designers who attended the show were Dee Dee Back and Kawenniostha Jock who each displayed a variety of designs for both adults and children. Models also brought their own outfits to display during the show, some of which they made themselves. The audience was also highly entertained with the powwow dance segments performed by local fancy shawl, boys traditional, hoop, and smoke dancers.
The night ended with the annual Iroquois Social, which was led by Kontiwennenhawi – The Akwesasne Women Singers, in conjunction with the SUNY Potsdam Mohawk Language Class. Participants enjoyed the different dances and also got the opportunity to listen to beautiful songs sang by youth who volunteered throughout the night.
Overall, the day's events were well attended and were a great celebration of culture. PANA looks forward to continuing to host these events annually and would like to thank all who attended, our participants, volunteers, and supporting staff of the Center for Diversity. Special thanks to the students from PANA who organized the events: Tobilee Roundpoint, Karlee Square, Vanna Thompson, and Chelsea Sunday.
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