A Voice from the Eastern Door

Niawenkowa from the '21 Survivors Cup

This past June, the Orangeville Northmen Jr “A” lacrosse team developed an idea to attend our community of Akwesasne for an exhibition game as well as a cultural exchange. The idea was discussed and eventually turned into an idea of an invitational lacrosse tournament with two objectives, to bring awareness to the residential school incidents and to give the youth an opportunity to showcase their talents after not having played in nearly two years.

A group of individuals began planning the event keeping a priority on the health and safety of everyone who wished to participate. With help from the A’nowara’ko:wa Arena, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne EOC and the Ontario Lacrosse Association, a “Return to Play” policy had been created. With the plan in place, the tournament committee decided that the proceeds of this tournament would go directly to community groups that work diligently to revitalize the Kanienkehaka language, mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The managers from each team decided that the name of this tournament should be named the Survivors Cup. Many businesses in Akwesasne and several from outside our community stepped in and made monetary donations, all contributing to the overall success of the event. Thank you to each of our sponsors for the generosity.

Tournament play began this past Wednesday and for five days, lacrosse returned to the A’nowara’ko:wa Arena. As in the past, many lacrosse enthusiasts, some elderly as well as some of our future lacrosse stars attended and watched, game after game showing appreciation. There were many moments of the tournament that will be remembered for many years. Aside from our own Akwesasne youth winning the championship over a strong and historically famous junior “A” program from Orangeville, there was also the opening ceremony which marked a powerful tribute to the victims of the residential school system. Many in attendance told of how appreciative they felt that although this event was to give the youth an opportunity to play, that for parts of the tournament lacrosse took the second podium for something that was of far more of importance. The Survivors Cup wish to thank those who participated in all of our pre-game ceremonies including the Iroquoian Dancers, the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, the Salmon River Girls varsity lacrosse team and residential school survivor Dean Shakoia’ti:iostha George.

In the end, the tournament was a huge success and this would not be possible without the hard work of its volunteers. They made a commitment to put their personal agendas aside and rather than spending time with their families, they worked hard to make this event safe and enjoyable. To all the volunteers, the Survivors Cup committee appreciates the work that you do and although each game gave an award to the most valuable player, without taking anything away from the kids, you too were most valuable. We would also like to thank our legends of lacrosse for being there, showing our youth that you not only support them but appreciate their dedication, to continue on the tradition of the game. The members of the Akwesasne Lacrosse Hall of Fame committee and inductees, just being visible game after game and helping out as much as possible was pleasing.

Congratulations to the Akwesasne Jr “B” lacrosse team on a hard-fought win against a strong opponent. Any and every sports enthusiast knows how difficult it can be to go undefeated; it was evident that you played with a lot of heart and pride and you made your community proud.

Niawen’ko:wa to all who made this possible.

Perry Blanchard-Tournament Convener

 

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