Kanatakon School Hosts Veterans for Remembrance Day Celebration

Submitted by Elaine Thompson

The Kanatakon School students and staff were very proud to host a number of Veterans for our Remembrance Day Celebration, which was held on November 9, 2016. Our day began with Kahentaienni Thompson reciting the Ohenton Kariwatekwen. We all enjoyed the delicious breakfast provided by the cafeteria staff.

A short video montage of the many Akwesasne Veterans was played, and special tribute paid to the recently honored Akwesasne Mohawk Code Talkers. Students and staff were excited to have Akwesasne Mohawk Code talker Levi Oakes as one of our guests. Six students from grades two, three, four and 5/6 classes prepared an Atonwa speech that they presented to the Veterans. Thanking the veterans for all that they sacrificed for our benefit. "Sewahsota wa:kehre akwahro:ri niawenhko:wa tsi ni:kon wahskwaie:nawa'se. To kati'niiohtonhak ne onkwa'nikon:ra."

The students sang Skennen and Tohsa sewa'tshe:iaron Kanien'keha sewatati for our guests. We then invited everyone present to join in the Friendship dance. Then it was time to give our gratitude to the veterans for all they have sacrificed and also for taking time out of their busy lives to join us for our celebration. We shook hands, gave gifts and said our goodbyes.