Shé:kon Iontthiatonhkwatkèn:se/Editor, Tekwanonhwerá:tons Ahkwesahsró:non

Shé:kon Iontthiatonhkwatkèn:se/Editor,

Tekwanonhwerá:tons Ahkwesahsró:non,

I would like to send an open letter to all business people and various organizations within the territory of Ahkwesáhsne. Our community of Ahkwesáhsne is a most popular place for outsiders to frequent mainly due to the Casino. We have many people who drive through Route 37 for many reasons on a daily basis the whole year round.

What do the people see when they drive through our territory? Do they observe a community Proud of their heritage and identity as Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk People)? How do we show this pride? Wouldn't it be a great thing to show that Pride by conveying it through our Mohawk language?

Imagine driving through the territory of Ahkwesáhsne and seeing that Pride written on all of the signage in stores, gas stations, restaurants, gift shops, the raceway, the library, the smoke shops, and any other enterprise located within our community.

Even the events and activities held throughout the years such as the Iron Workers celebration could be referred to as Ratirista'kehró:non Ratiristakétskwas Raonenhní:sera (Ironworkers Day).

Imagine each and every sign that is put out for the public to see written in a bilingual format. In Quebec, it is law to have all signage written in French with the translation in smaller print. Their Pride in their language and culture is displayed for the world to see.

Wouldn't it be a great thing for our community members to display that Pride as well?

Of course businesses would still maintain the original name of their business but it could be accompanied with a written translation in the Mohawk language.

A store could be written as...gas station Ionteienata'áhstha, a store Tsi Iontenhninòn:tha, a restaurant Tsi Teiontska'hónhkhwa, Flea markets Nia'té:kon Iontkehrontáhkhwa, print shop Tsi Ratihiatónhkhwa, car dealerships Tsi Ronte'serehtahní:nons, hair cutters Tsi Iontatenonhkarà:tha and any type of health facility Iakhiia'takénhnhahs meaning we help people.

It would be a matter of making a conscious decision, a conscious choice, a conscious effort to incorporate the Mohawk Language when having your signs made so that when people drive through our community, the Pride in our identity would be out there for everyone to see.

Tóhsa Tewatshé:iaron (Let's not be shy)

Kanien'kéha Tewahiá:ton (Let's write in Mohawk)

Niá:wen tánon Skén:nen,

Kaweienón:ni (Margaret) Peters