A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
Elizabeth Clute and her great grandchildren at AFS receiving day with future Mohawk speakers.
Nihahsennaa Peters and Elisha King introduce Raihwasestha to his teacher.
Satekaronhioton, level one teacher greets his student, while the father gives his son a bit of encouragement.
Brothers a bit anxious and excited for their first day of school. Wahohshnoratste said he was going to his 'big brother's' school.
Rawentanohsthas first day of Pre-k at Akwesasne Freedom School
Tarhiowaneh on his first day of school at AFS.
by Kanietonkie
The Akwesasne Freedom School (AFS) held their 'welcoming ceremony' on Monday, August 9 at 9am. Parents, grandparents returning students and new students listened closely as Richard Mitchell recited the Ohenton Karihwatehkwen, directly addressing how Onkwehonwe children are growing up during such difficult times and how much support they need to learn Kanieńkehá; our culture and our traditions.
Level Pre-K to Level Six teachers welcomed each family individually. As each family met their child's teacher the parent(s) introduced themselves and their child and presented the teacher with a small bundle of tobacco. Each parent and their child were greeted until every student in that level was gathered and taken in to begin their first day of school.
The 2021-2022 school year marks AFS 42nd year of educating Mohawk children according to our standards that are vital to our survival – teaching Kanieńkehá:ka children Kanien'kehá. This year they welcomed seventy-five students for the 2021-2022 school year. Many teachers themselves attended AFS as students and some teachers are recent graduates of Kanieńkehá language programs. The AFS operates on a six-week cycle, running school year-round (not counting closures due to COVID).
The Akwesasne Freedom School does not accept funds from the American or Canadian government. They are hosting their largest fundraiser of the year on Saturday, August 21 featuring the AFS Survival Race, Redrum Bike Run, a Smoke Dance Competition and chicken dinner. On Sunday, August 22 AFS hosts their famous and exciting Quilt Auction along with live and local entertainment.
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