CKON Celebrates Youth Storytelling Summer Program

Submitted by Diane McDonald

This summer, CKON began a youth storytelling segment that aired on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. Several local youth auditioned to be a storyteller, and five were selected. The youth were required to be good readers, with voices that carried well over the airwaves. The initiative was developed to inspire our youth to read myths and legends about our Mohawk culture.

The storytellers demonstrated leadership by stepping up to read on the air. They are now role models to set an example that could encourage other local youth to engage in community opportunities and initiatives.

The storytellers included Presley Tarbell, Kyleigh Holcomb, Avery Oakes, Devon Oakes and Brody Jacobs. As a token of appreciation, the five youth were given a small stipend, a $10 gift card to a local sub-shop, or business, and a small treat on behalf of the Akwesasne Communication Society and CKON Radio. Congratulations to Presley, Kyleigh, Avery, Devon and Brody who were professional in all their actions while at the station. It was a great honor to work with such talent. Have a great school year and we look forward to your participation on future initiatives.

The Akwesasne Communication Society and CKON radio thank Peter Garrow for providing the compilation of Iroquois Stories read by the youth, and to Carina Lamendola for recording and editing the stories.