Akwesasne Celebrates Friendship with Partners of the Great River

Cornwall, ON - The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) and the 2017 Akwesasne Winter Carnival Committee are celebrating their connection to and affection for the Great River by inviting the public from both sides of the St. Lawrence to the 4th Annual Friends of the River Forum (Ionkwatén:rohson ne tsi kaniatará:ke). The mighty St. Lawrence River (Kaniatarowanen:neh or The Big River in Mohawk) is the lifeblood that runs through the heart of three nations. On Sunday, February 12th, from 10 am to 3 pm a stream of River related activities, information, and discussion will flow through the Iohahiio Adult Education Centre in Tsi Snaihne (Snye) in Akwesasne.

Hosted by the MCA Department of Tehotiiennawa:kon, this event is free of charge and the interactive activities and exhibits will highlight the River and the environment. The first 75 guests will receive free return bridge passes. Along with the interactive River, fish and turtle displays, children's activities, and exhibits, there will be a hearty lunch of chicken stew, chili, and biscuits as well as a variety of door prizes, including a kayak. A special highlight of the day will be the Akwesasne premiere of the documentary about last summer's River cleanup entitled, "A Great River Runs Through Us" featuring members of the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club.

Special guest presenters include the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Toronto Zoo Turtle Island Conservation Project, Thousand Islands National Park, the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences, Cornwall Lunker Club, South Nation Conservation, Raisin Region Conservation Authority, Ontario Power Generation, and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. A series of talks on fish, shoreline protection, and traditional environmental knowledge will take place along with animals and fish on site throughout the day. It promises to be a full day of fun, hands on learning, and discovery on the Big River in Akwesasne.

Henry Lickers, Environmental Science Officer with the MCA says, "This River is the History and Heart of the Mohawk People and we look forward to sharing this day with our friends and neighbours."

Dr. Jeff Ridal, River Institute Executive Director, adds "We are always pleased to partner with the Mohawks of Akwesasne and are eager to take part in this important community event that focuses on our River," says "We have a strong mutual interest and concern for understanding the health of this great River and a desire to work together to ensure it is protected."