ACCFutures Pays Tribute to the Late Christopher Thompson

ACCFutures recently paid tribute to the later Christopher Thompson, whose work "tirelessly championed economic prosperity for all by nurturing relationships between Akwesasne and non-First Nation communities including Cornwall and SDG."

ACCFutures held their annual general meeting on September 21st in Akwesasne where they unveiled a beaded belt by Fire Loom Creations and local artist Kelly Back, who is Chris's sister.

ACCFutures commissioned the showcase piece to honor Christopher's deep-rooted legacy and to renew its commitment to the journey of reconciliation. Kelly Back, Christopher's sister, and husband Tyson, created the 18-inch piece with traditional beadwork and leather fringe. The center features a turtle to represent Chris' clan and the ACCFutures logo; these are flanked by the two-row wampum, symbolizing two vessels travelling side by side in cooperation and a common interest.

"It was a huge honor to make this piece. Chris was so instrumental in bringing people together. He would be so happy to see the continued relationship between our communities," said Kelly.

Created in 1987, ACCFutures is a not-for-profit, independent organization, governed by a Board of Directors composed of volunteers from the community representing a cross-section of the makeup of the community. ACCFutures core programming is around the delivery of the Community Futures Program. Their mission is to "deliver financing, collaborative SME support, strategic community planning & economic development solutions to Akwesasne, Cornwall & the SDG Counties.

ACCFutures, through ACCPathways, is unwavering in its commitment to carry out Christopher's vision establishing and enhancing business connections between Akwesasne, Cornwall, and SDG Counties. We also continue to support the historic Port Lands project, a jointly owned parcel of land and water-lot jointly-owned by Akwesasne First Nation and the Municipality of Cornwall.

"Chris was an early champion of ACCFutures becoming a place that could support Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners to work together," said ACCFutures Executive Director Greg Pietersma. "It was important to me to commemorate and celebrate that beginning from an organization standpoint and to have a visual reminder of where this all came from, and why it's so important to our organization to take these relationships and build upon them."

The late Chris Thompson had served as MCA's Director of Economic Development. MCA acknowledges and applauds ACCFutures for their dedication to Chris Thompson.