Women's Singing Group Donates Money to Mohawk Nation Longhouse

By Mahlon Smoke

The Mohawk Nation Longhouse cookhouse is in need of repairs; the roof tiles need fixing, the deck of the cookhouse is being replaced, the stairs and so much more. Since the building of the Mohawk Nation Longhouse, gatherings for the cycle of ceremonies, along with weddings and funerals have brought the community together. But a building like Mohawk Nation Longhouse and its cookhouse must be maintained, that is why the Fund-Raising Committee was formed to raise funds to do just that.

They recently held the Mohawk Nation Longhouse Benefit Auction which ran from July 24 to August 1 on Facebook. Due to Covid-19, holding the auctiononline was the safest way to fundraise. The Mohawk Nation Auction is just one of the many events helping to raise money for renovations.

Donations were also welcomed, and the Mohawk Women's Singing Group generously donated $5,000 dollars to the Nation Longhouse. On Wednesday, July 29th, 2020, representatives of the Women's Singing group met with Frank David and Debbie Solomon to present them a check.

"It's our duty as part of Singing Society to help the Longhouse anyway we can," said Kahnotihson Nanticoke, as the reason for their donation.

The singing group has a long and traditional history with the longhouse as performers and leaders in volunteering for the community of Akwesasne.

"We have a hard-working committee that is helping with this, especially the Women Singers" said David just before the check presentation.

David, a faithkeeper, said while supplies have been slow and more and more work needing to be done, the Funding Committee has been doing everything they can to keep up.

The online auction received 271 donated items. When all items have been paid, they will have the possibility of raising $36,000. Several Akwesasronon helped by making a straight cash donation.

Debbie Point-Rourke, also an online fundraising volunteer, gathered a team to collect and help manage the Facebook page as well as organize the items for sale. The team consisted of Point-Rourke, Debbie Solomon, Yolanda Wild, Anna Thompson, Jacey Rourke and Konwanahktotha Sargent.

Auction included a wide variety of items, homecooked meals, beaded items, sweetgrass and splint baskets, leather work, paintings and so much more. Donations for the auction came from near and far from artists, businesses, individuals, families, and home chefs.

"We've had individuals donate money like $100, or donating items and they're all so beautiful," said Point-Rourke about the auction and all those who have helped out.