Traditional Healing Lodge Holds Appreciation Luncheon

By Isaac White.

The Haudenosaunee Everlasting Academy of Learning (HEAL) held a luncheon to showcase their new building and give words of appreciation and recognition for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and Council, as well as all those who assisted in making the new traditional healing lodge and facility a reality.

Many community members, local journalists, as well as members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, and SRMT staff were in attendance for the welcoming presence of the HEAL facility located at 1516 River Road in Tsi Snaihne.

Della Adams, Manager for HEAL began the festivities within the wonderfully comfortable and visually striking facility, speaking about the origins of the project and wishing good tidings to everyone in attendance by personally thanking everyone who took the time to be there for what she described as a historical moment for Akwesasne.

According to Adams, HEAL is the first traditional healing lodge owned and operated by traditional grassroots people. The focus for the lodge is not one of healing a single community member. The message delivered by Adams is that the restorative power of traditional healing that one person goes through will show benefits throughout that person's family.

The generations that are not yet born but will be vital to the continuation of Akwesasne and Native as functional people were clearly important in Adams' words. Much emphasis was focused on the future of Akwesasne and Adams, in her words spoken that day, seemed to acknowledge that HEAL could play a role.

Adams stated, "The everlasting teachings and cultural understandings they receive here will not only help the recipient, but their families also, but more importantly to those coming faces that are yet to be born."

Being able to envelop the community in the culture and reaffirm the importance and relevance of Akwesasne culture was stressed by Adams and was well received by the crowd of enthusiastic attendees. The people yet to come are a focus of HEAL as Adams indicated by telling the crowd one of the purposes of the lodge is to help people to become immersed in Akwesasne culture so that in the future they can help with conducting ceremonies, having traditional medicinal knowledge that can be passed on, as well as teaching Mohawk language to preserve that as well. This vision will be carried out through an apprenticeship program, which Adams stated will begin soon.

Wendy Hill, a traditional healer from Six Nations, works with Adams and the rest of the staff at HEAL and spoke with Indian time about her appreciation and love for this new endeavor. "There's no barriers here. We can all talk together, and we respect each other, and we listen to one another," Hill said.

The HEAL lodge was envisioned approximately 15 years ago according to Adams. Over the course of those years Adams explained there were hiccups along the way, but that recently the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe helped to overcome those with a donation which resulted in HEAL coming to fruition. Adams explained that the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe originally donated $100,000 last year. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council will donate another $100,000 and according to Adams, those donations are integral to HEAL opening its doors and being operational going forward.

"My mind was blown, and my heart was overwhelmed with love and gratitude," said Adams of the generosity of the SRMT.

Following Adams speech, Beverly Cook, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Chief offered some words for the crowd in which she expressed her appreciation for the work of Della Adams and all those who made the HEAL Lodge a reality. One point that Chief Cook drove home was the importance of treating each other with kindness and respect, something which was evident within the crowd.

Chief Cook said in a quote to Indian Time, "The SRMT is proud of the grit and determination of the Haudenosaunee Everlasting Academy of Learning in pursuing their vision; creating a safe space for healing and teaching in Akwesasne. It is our honor and privilege to give them what support we can, which also broadens the types of services available to the people of Akwesasne."

Other members of Tribal Council were in attendance and spoke with Indian Time about HEAL.

Tribal Sub-Chief Agnes Jacobs said, "What started out as an idea was easy. But, it was hard work, creativity and people who had a vision for our community to make HEAL come to fruition. Niawen Della, Eddie and Roy, congratulations!!!"

Chief Ron LaFrance said, "I'm grateful that more people are seeking out traditional healing as an alternative to western medicine. I wish nothing but success in the future for HEAL and the community of Akwesasne."

Adams stated the HEAL lodge began construction last summer and they were able to move in on December 12th. According to Adams this opening was a culmination of the first phase of the entirety of the HEAL project, with other phases to come in the future.