2014 SRCS Native American Day

The Tuesday before American Thanksgiving has become a tradition at Salmon River Central School to celebrate Native American Day. It is a day where Katsitsionni Fox's Mohawk Club members get to share their culture with their classmates and school staff. The Middle School students took part in the activities in the morning while the High School celebrated in the afternoon.

The student body of both the Middle School and High School were called down to the auditorium where they were shown four videos that were produced last year with the help of Ms. Fox's Native Film class, as well as the 1491's and the 7 Dancers Coalition. One of the videos deals with the serious pressing social issue of domestic violence, one is a legend and one debunks stereotyping: 'I'm not a Costume',' Mohawk Club Represents', '7 Dancers', 'Women's Honor Song'.

Rowisonkies Barnes thrilled his fellow students with his hand drumming and singing. Bear Fox, who recently won "Songwriter of the Year" at the 2014 Nammy Awards, was delightful as she sang her audience requested song "Rich Girl". Mrs. Fox has a tradition of writing a special song for her children when they turn 18 years old. She sang a song written for her son, Sky Jr. (Karoniote), called Standing Skye.

The guest speaker for the event was Tom Porter. He told the students that he was proud and pleased to see students "decked out in traditional clothing, ribbon shirts, beadwork and raised beadwork for a social here at school". Mr. Porter explained that when he was in school, students would get into trouble for speaking Mohawk and that many have fought hard to get to this point. He reminded the students that it was now their responsibility to keep moving forward to continue the work.

Corn soup made by Sandra Fox, and strawberry drink made by the Mohawk Club, was made available for all students and staff during lunch period.

The Social took place in the high school gymnasium. The NNATC Travel Troupe and Standing Arrow along with the Akwesasane Young Bucks provided the singing and drumming. Many colorful fabrics, ribbons, leather, beadwork, jingles and gustowas adorned the dancers, which was beautiful to watch.

"I love the energy of the dancing," said freshman, Geena Terrance. "It makes me proud of my culture". Kiakowisonkies Phillips, a junior, said, "I really liked the social because I got to dance. It's important to have socials so people will be able to know how to dance". Ms. Phillips is an accomplished Smoke Dancer who has been dancing since she was six years old. "My brother taught me".

A big niawen goes out to Ms. Fox, Tim Cook, Leigh Oakes, Theresa Van Dunk, and the SRCS Middle School and High School Mohawk Clubs for all their hard work in planning and organizing the Native American Day Celebration. Also thank you to the many gifted singers, drummers, dancers, speakers and filmmakers for sharing their talents with everyone and making 2014 Native American Day so amazing.