Entewatatha:wi Holds Week Long Akwesasne History Summit

March 13th through the 17th Entewatatha:wi held the Akwesasne History/Evolution Summit at the former First Americans IGA. The week of events kicked off with tobacco burning and a traditional opening. Over the course of the week, respected elders, historians, Chiefs, Clan mothers, Faithkeepers, linguists, journalists, youth and storytellers shared knowledge, wisdom and stories about the history of Akwesasne. Topics of discussion included roles of the men and women, environment, language, identity, trades/occupations, artists, youth, and elders along with a variety of other topics brought up by members of the community.

This event was a way to educate Akwesasronon of all ages in our community about the history of Akwesasne and how it correlates and differentiates from the way we live our lives now. The Summit took on its own life as the week proceeded with a strong underlying message of unity, positive energy, and optimism for the future with a clear and unequivocal message of the crucial need for Akwesasronon to learn Kaniehkeha. As the week began to wrap up the need for additional summits such as this was outwardly obvious.

From Bev Cook, Tom Porter, Loran Thompson, and Richard Mitchell to Satekaronhioton, Steven Thompson-Oakes and Isaac Cole, everyone is ready to "move forward as Onkwehonwe, as one people, undivided".

One of the speakers for the youth panel, Steven Thompson-Oakes stated, "I have learned so much about the history of my people, culture, language, and even a lot about myself and my own family history that I never knew about." His great grandmother, Anne Jock was one of the amazing Indigenous Activists who cared plenty for her people. She took bravery and dedication seriously, and even stood front lines in her own battles back in her times.

This event provided a great amount of ancestral background, which provided each person in attendance with knowledge on where they came from and who we are. How, at one time we became divided by borders, factions, differences in beliefs and yet it needs to be noted that within the Summit, people regarded each other with respect and valued the words and beliefs of others within our own community.

Faithkeeper, Richard Mitchell stated "[This event] is a great start in unity because people of different factions were all talking to each other."

Mitchell also wanted to give credit and appreciation to Peter Garrow and the organizing committee.

The History Summit concluded with much success in not only educating and informing, but also encouraging unity and providing a safe place to self-express and look back on the past of Akwesasne and to move forward. The Akwesasne History Summit Planning Committee included Peter Garrow, Cactus Cook-Sunday, Phillip White-Cree, Rasennes Pembleton, Brendan White, Sue Ellen Herne, Vince Thompson, Harold Thompson, Mike Mitchell, Della Adams, Cheryl Jacobs, Sarah Rourke, Bula Hill, Arnold Printup, Henry Lickers, Richard Mitchell, Donna Roundpoint, Joey David, Beatrice Johnson, Ariel Lazore, Nolan Mitchell, Erin Cole and Regina Jacobs.

The catering provided a platform for the cooks of Akwesasne. Food defines virtually every society in the world and for Mohawks this is no different. With clear parameters to work with, each caterer provided a different meal each day. Kakwakon, by Ciele Samuel, served a roasted acorn squash stuffed with moose meat and white corn. TNT Deli provided corn soup and fried bread. Turk Rockwell served Mohawk Tacos and Bull & Arrow by Doogie Davey served roast pork with coleslaw and baked beans. Fat Beaver, by Teio Skidders and family, served authentic wild game meal featuring venison chops along with roasted white corn, blueberry corn mush, wild rice and blueberries, and fried walleye for the closing meal on Friday.