Native North American Travelling College Museum Grand Reopening

The Native North American Traveling College (NNATC) has reinvented themselves by taking a good stock of how they were created. On Saturday, October 23, NNATC opened their doors to enter "a new phase in our journey."

Opening remarks were made by Theresa Bear Fox and Karonhianonha Francis singing the Ohenton Karihwatehkwen. Museum director Dave Fadden remarked how they were in the middle of renovations when the pandemic hit and NNATC had to shut down. As staff returned under staggered schedules, renovations continued.

Fadden remarked, "A lot of work was done... It looks entirely different. There is a whole new narrative – a whole new way of wandering this new space. When I started doing this, I always kept in the back of my mind the founder, Ernie Benedict. I've known him my whole life and he was a good friend of my grandfather Ray. I always think of Ernie and what he did on his own. If it wasn't for individuals like Ernie and my grandfather and other educators during the 60's a lot of culture would have been gone.

"They took it upon themselves, selflessly, to teach our children to be proud of who we are."

Lloyd Benedict, the son of the late Ernest Benedict and founder of NNATC spoke of his 'perspective as a kid growing up here on the island.'

Sharing a story of a protest on the island, Benedict stated, "That's when things started changing. When the younger people started standing up. Again, it's the younger people that have to take over for the older people. You have to walk in my shoes. I had to walk in my father's shoes. He tried to keep me on that steady trail. And for that I owe him. A lot."

He went on to say, "The community here at Akwesasne has gone through so many experiments... we are all related... as soon as you use your religions as your definition of who you are – we are going to be at odds. We can't create factions out of religions... we were always blaming some religion to be the bad guy. We can't do that. We have to have unity. We are full of beautiful people full of wonderful things (here). That's what keeps us together. That's our stability – our culture. Know who we are. Know that you have cousins of every other religion, know them and respect them. And that's what my father would say."

The NNATC's grand reopening reflects the founder's origins. In 2019 it was decided by the staff to renovate the NNATC museum space to 'effectively 'teach the culture and history of the Haudenosaunee and Mohawks of Akwesasne. The new narrative is comprehensive, and it tells our story from creation to present day with an eye looking to our future.'

From the decision to renovate the museum, and like many organizations, programs, and projects during the pandemic, NNATC had many setbacks. Yet, the goal remained clear and set. With Joann Swamp, Nanci Ransom, and Becky Bero guiding staff and making sure 'the ship stayed afloat during these difficult times' renovations stayed their course.

Iakonikonriiosta recently stepped into the position of manager of NNATC, completing the final plans and reopening the museum.

As guests entered the museum in small groups of six, they were guided through each exhibit – from the Thanksgiving Address to contemporary portraits of Akwesasronon and ending in the 'basket room' – an exhibit of their extensive collection of sweetgrass and splint baskets.

Lunch was provided for all guests and the NNATC 'travel troupe' held a social dance in the afternoon.

The NNATC museum is open daily for tours from 9am to 4pm. When visiting the NNATC new museum, please note NNATC follows COVID-19 guidelines.