Native North American Travelling College Recognizes 40 Year Anniversary

By: Arisawe

It began as one man's vision, but he wasn't an ordinary man. Ernest Benedict, Kaientaronkwaken:ha, recognized very early on that Mohawk people had a whole world view to offer, and July 1974 would mark the beginning of the North American Indian Travelling College, and it couldn't come at a better time.

The Travelling College was just that. Ernie packed some books into a van and travelled to other communities, where he would share knowledge based on the truth of who we were rather than the ideals of what US or Canada would attempt to shape us into. It was a time when we would seemingly regain consciousness after the beat down suffered at the hand of government run, educational institutions.

It was feeling pride again. The pride of knowing who we were as Onkwehonwe, but more than that, it was giving the rest of the world a true understanding of who we are. For the past forty years, the Native North American Travelling College has restored pride and identity through cultural teachings.

The name has changed from the North American Indian Travelling College to the Native North American Travelling College, and it operates out of the Ronathahonni Cultural Centre. What hasn't changed is the never-ending dedication of some very valuable staff members, namely, Gloria Thompson and Joanne Swamp. Gloria, who's the Financial Officer, was there since forever, since the very beginning of the Travelling College. Joanne has been there almost as long. Her first job there was as a summer student and then later on, she took a full time job there. Today Joanne is the Executive Assistant.

Another prominent person that's been involved with the Travelling College from the start was Kanentakeron Mike Mitchell. Although he was young, I'm sure Ernie was impressed with the strength, pride and conviction Mike demonstrated during a protest march against the Canadian Customs a short number of years before the College started. Ernie asked Mike to help him to make his vision of the Travelling College a reality. After all, Ernie wanted to reach young people in particular, and perhaps he knew young people would also be impressed by Mike.

When Mike entered the political stage, Barbara Barnes became the Director. Barb was another person who was completely devoted to what the Travelling College stood for in the community. She made sure that the Travel Troupe reached students, both Native and non-native students, who would benefit from hearing traditional social songs and learning the dances. The Travel Troupe also shared legends, stories and Rotinonhsonni history with the students.

There are many people who've made a lasting impact in promoting art, culture and history such as Jake and Yvonne Thomas, Ray Fadden and Jake Swamp, but one more person that has to be mentioned is Brad Bonaparte. Although he was a Director for only a short time, his paintings and sculptures; his singing and dancing, and the way he shared his knowledge of history and stories, has no doubt, made some lasting memories in the minds of the young people who've had the privilege of meeting him and listening to him.

There have been close to 400 people who have been employed by the college over the years. Some have been administrators, some summer students. Some have worked by teaching their basket making, beading or making traditional clothing. There have been many who worked as part of the Travel Troupe. All appreciate the pride they gain in knowing their work is truly related to who they are as Onkwehonwe. Some summer students said their work there reintroduced them to their own cultural identity.

The Native North American Travelling College had experienced a devastating loss when their first museum and offices were destroyed by a fire. Many artifacts, pictures, documents and other cultural properties were lost forever. However, what the fire couldn't erase was the knowledge and pride for the identity of being Onkwehonwe.

The Ronathahonni Cultural Centre is the new home for the NNATC. It is located directly east from the first site and sharing the same shore along the beautiful St. Lawrence River. It's grown. There is now a building dedicated to the library, audio/visual productions. The main building houses the administration staff, museum and a multi-purpose room where artists are invited to share their craft of basketry, beadwork and making traditional clothing. We receive visitors from near and some from as far away as Austria, Germany and Sweden. All are welcomed to learn our history as told by Sarah Konwahahawi Rourke and Darren Bonaparte, and other knowledge holders. There are many publications and posters available for purchase also.

An amphitheatre has also been built with the vision of providing a place for artists, theatrical performances, dancers and even bands to utilize this structure. In the future, dressing rooms and lighting will be installed so that theatre groups and bands will provide evening entertainment. The interior still has to be completed, but as it stands at the moment, it is totally useable.

Sarah Konwahahawi Rourke is the Manager for the Native North American Travelling College and she speaks with great pride and enthusiasm as she shares what the future holds in store for the community through upcoming events.

Presently, the Travel Troupe offers Social Dance Workshops throughout the community, on Wednesday evenings. There is also an Interpretations of Skywoman art exhibit featuring local artists that will be available to view until January 2, 2015.

For those of you who may have heirlooms, artifacts or historic items, you may want to participate in the Akwesasne Hidden Treasures event. You are invited to bring your items to NNATC where they will be cleaned, photographed and displayed. Your name will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a prize for each submission.

The NNATC is gearing up for many new and exciting events for the future. Please listen to CKON or pick up the Indian Time to learn more.