AMBE Congratulates Wentanoron Roundpoint on Publication

(Tsiothohrhkowa/January 25, 2018) Wentanoron Ariana Roundpoint is presently a grade 12 student attending Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School (CCVS). She will be graduating in Ohiari:ha/June 2018 and will continue to support her passion for writing while attending university, with a concentration on English, in the fall of 2018. She is the daughter of Edward and Tina Roundpoint, resides on Kawehno:ke and belongs to the Wolf Clan. At the young age of 17, she has recently co-authored a book entitled "Sila and the Land." The book was written by herself, Shelby Angalik and Lindsay DuPre.

Wentanoron became a student at the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk School (AMS) in grade 3. Prior to that she attended school at the St. Regis Mohawk School and the Free House Montessori School in Williamstown, Ontario.

Corey Thompson taught Wentanoron in Grade 8 Language and Social Studies.

"Ariana always displayed an affinity for writing. Both her creative and more formal writings demonstrated early on a passion for and knowledge about the writing process from pre-writing to publishing. I am very proud but certainly not surprised of her recent accomplishment," stated Corey.

Wentanoron has participated in many different group discussions and workshops. As a grade 9 student, she was introduced to Lindsay Dupre while attending the University of Toronto Indigenous Studies Workshop. Lindsay is the Youth Engagement Coordinator of TakingITGlobal and works with Jennifer Corriero, Cofounder and Executive Director of TakingITGlobal. The focus of the Indigenous Youth Advisory Circle Idea Book, is about strengthening circles, celebrating the network of youth leaders who are inspiring change across the country and about challenging all Canadians to learn more and to join in creating a better future.

"Stereotypes affect me and my community because it's almost like we have to live up to those stereotypes and the misconceptions in how people view us. It's not whether we want to, but sometimes we feel like we have to...It makes things harder for our communities and especially our youth, but we're trying to change that – having our voice and stories heard is a big part of this," as quoted by Wentanoron and in response to breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions about our communities for the Idea Book. There were young leaders from 30 communities from across Canada that shared their experience, knowledge and aspirations as part of the book.

Wentanoron has also been very successful in the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Science Fair competitions. She was a three year winner and qualified to travel to New Mexico to compete in the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). She continues to maintain her grades in high school and is part of the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM). She will be graduating with this recognition in Ohiari:ha/June 2018. SHSM lets students focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements to obtain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). She was also a part of a Question and Answer panel for the film "Rising Voices" in Montreal on Tsiothohrhkowa/January 30, 2018.

Parents Edward and Tina have fully supported Wentanoron along the way. Her father Edward encourages anyone who has a dream - to pursue it. The single advice he gives is to "Just follow your dreams!" Wentanoron is a shining example of pushing herself to the limits in order to achieve her goals. Her plans for the future include following her passion for writing. She will continue to write away and spread knowledge and awareness through ink and pages.

AMBE administration would like to congratulate Wentanoron on the accomplishment of her first co-authored book and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors and studies!

Official Book Launch of Sila and the Land

Don’t miss the official book launch of Akwesasne teen Ariana Roundpoint’s new children’s book, Sila and the Land, February 1st at 3:00PM at the Cornwall Public Library! There will also be a screening of a film she appears in, Rising Voices.