Mohawk Nation Women's Meeting held in Akwesasne

By: Jaclyn Hall

Mohawk women from across the territories gathered at the Mohawk Nation Longhouse, in Akwesasne, on Saturday August 31st. The Mohawk Nation Women’s Meeting has been revived and is held quarterly to bring the women of the nation together to discuss certain issues and concerns. The objective of the most recent meeting was to discuss the health, education and welfare of the people. With so much going on throughout the territory, there was only so much that they could discuss in one day, before decisions needed to be made.

Beginning with discussions on health, women brought up issues from the past quarterly meeting, regarding cannabis. It was suggested that a gathering need to take place with the medicine people of the nation, so the experts in medicine can discuss certain topics; such as cannabis and which medicines could be used for parents who decide not to vaccinate. It was agreed that a gathering will be organized in the near future, so that these discussions can take place. The gathering will be open for all Onkwehonwe to join in, listen and learn.

The issue of forced vaccinations taking place for returning students in the New York State education system which is directly affecting families in Akwesasne who chose not to vaccinate was discussed. After some deliberation and discussions of possible solutions, it was decided that a public statement will be published by the Women of the Nation, backed and co-signed by two Clan mothers, regarding this particular issue with the NYS Education system.

Continuing the discussion on the education and welfare of the people, there was a lot of discussions around possible workshops and education efforts that can be taken by the elder Women, to teach younger women their roles and responsibilities in the nation. It was proposed to have workshops inside the Mohawk Nation cookhouse, so the women can help to educate one another.

Throughout the meeting, it was emphasized that all three topics go hand in hand. People need to be educated on health and the different ways to stay healthy and aware. Once we begin taking care of ourselves and our families, our nation will become stronger and we will be able to think clearer. And once we can think clearly, we can begin to make meaningful decisions that help to better the welfare of the nation as a whole.

Also discussed at the meeting; once the women of nation go forward with these decisions, the men will need to step up and help to educate to the people as a whole. Once the people are educated, the people can then stand on their own two feet and continue to pass on the knowledge the have gained.

As stated at the Women’s Meeting, ‘There is only one way to do this, and that is to start somewhere, no matter how small’.

Lastly, as discussed at the meeting, the women of the nation understand we make the decisions when it comes to our families, our homes and our lands. So, when the time comes, and the women decide what to do about certain land issues, the men need to be ready to listen and act.

As stated, the women at the meeting agreed, ‘The men need to take the skirts off and give them back. It is the women’s responsibility to remind the men when they have gone astray, Now is that time, so men, think of this as your reminder’.

The next Mohawk Nation Women’s Meeting will take place in November 2019 in Kahnawake.