AKWESASNE VETERAN'S MEMORIAL PROPOSED

(Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Release) Akwesasne, NY - In Tsiothohrkó:wa/January 2013, David "Ed" Benedict, a 20-year veteran of the United States Navy submitted a letter to the three governments of Akwesasne outlining his vision for an Akwesasne Veteran's Memorial Monument. The purpose of a veteran's memorial, as described by Benedict, is to honor all of Akwesasne's service men and women for their contributions in times of wars, as well as in peace.

Many of Akwesasne's veterans volunteered for military service, while some were drafted and served willingly and honorably. Most of our veterans returned home following their service, while some made the ultimate sacrifice. The Akwesasne Veteran's Memorial provides a means for the community to show its respect and to learn about the sacrifices of these brave service men and women.

Moved by Benedict's letter, former-Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Chief Paul Thompson took the initiative to help bring the vision of an Akwesasne Veteran's Memorial closer to life, with the identification of a Board of Trustees and creation of an Akwesasne Veteran's Memorial Monument Fund Charter. Passage of Tribal Council Resolution #2014-04 on Tsiothohrkó:wa/January 28, 2014 formally accepted both for the purpose of constructing a memorial to honor all of Akwesasne's military veterans.

A key responsibility of the Board of Trustees is to oversee the Monument Fund to help pay for the Akwesasne Veteran's Memorial's costs associated with its design and installation. To assist their efforts, a contribution of $19,000 was made by the Akwesasne Chamber of Commerce to former-Tribal Chief Thompson for the memorial. The Board has been tasked with conducting additional fundraising efforts to pay for its manufacturing, delivery and installation; including landscaping.

The permanent location of the Akwesasne Veteran's Memorial has been earmarked for a location at Akwesasne's Generations Park. Located inside the Tewathahitha Walking Trail, the memorial will be situated on land donated by a community member for the sole purpose of a community park. It will be placed near the wooden bridge at a location visible from Route 37.

In Ohiarihkó:wa/July 2015, an Akwesasne Veteran's Memorial Monument Project Committee reconvened to resume fundraising efforts and to develop an initial design to share with community members. Since that time, they have been meeting each month in preparing a request for proposals from designers and securing corporate sponsorships to offset the estimated $75,000 needed for the project's total cost.

After careful consideration of the submitted proposals, the Project Committee selected Noella Cotnam, Sign-It Signs and Designs, to assist in developing a design to memorialize Akwesasne's military veterans. Based in Williamstown, Ontario, Noella was a logical selection given her prior work in Akwesasne. Her most recent piece was a new community Welcome Sign that was unveiled on the west end of the Akwesasne Territory in Kenténha/October 2015.

On Seskehkó:wa/September 28, 2015 the Project Committee provided an initial concept for an Akwesasne Veteran's Memorial Monument to Noella and in Enníska/Feburary 2016 a preliminary designed was received. The draft design, including a scale model, was presented at the Enniskó:wa/March 5, 2016 Monthly Tribal Meeting and kicked-off a two-week comment period that ends on Monday, March 21st. They hope to have additional suggestions and feedback to help in completing a final design by March 31st.

A scale model of the proposed Akwesasne Veteran's Memorial is available to view during normal business hours in the Community Building Lobby. Individuals wishing to submit suggestions can do so by contacting Sub-Chief Cheryl Jacobs at (518) 358-2272 ext. 2204, or by email at [email protected]. You may also contact Lornie Swamp at (518) 358-2272 ext. 2185, or by email at [email protected].

The Project Committee is also seeking members to serve on the Akwesasne Veteran's Memorial Monument Fundraising Committee so all interested individuals are appreciated and welcomed.

For more information on the Akwesasne Veteran's Memorial, please visit the Tribe's website at http://www.srmt-nsn.gov to view the presentation provided at the March 5th Tribal Meeting.