NNATC Receives Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial Coin

By Kaniehtonkie.

The Native North American Traveling College (NNATC) received a special honor presented to them by the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations (RCAF) – Cornwall. The RCAF regularly send their cadets to the Traveling College for cultural and historical training of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

The commander of the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations – Lt.-Col. Neil Ryan, along with CWO / Adjuc Chuck Ansell, MMM, CD presented a special edition coin to NNATC.

"We are proud to present the Native North American Travelling College with a Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial Coin given their close relationship with the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations. Several times a year, the NNATC has welcomed staff and students of CFSACO to learn about the history of Kanien'keháka, inviting them to their museum, providing exposure to traditional dance and organizing discussions with local Indigenous veterans. As the Air Force celebrates 100 years, we are honored to recognize the NNATC's outreach and friendship to local RCAF members." said LCol Neil Ryan, Commandant, Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations

As part of the RCAF 2024 Centennial celebrations, 100 individuals and organizations will be honored with a special edition Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Centennial Coin as part of the 100 Coins to 100 Canadians campaign.

The 100 Coins to 100 Canadians campaign recognize those who exemplify the core values of the RCAF and the Canadian Armed Forces. Lt.-Col. Neil Ryan stated, "The Traveling College has made such an impact on our school. The College reflects the values that we have; loyalty, integrity, excellence, career, courage, inclusion and accountability. I think it makes a whole lot of sense to present the one of 100 coins to the Native North American Traveling College."

The 100 Coins to 100 Canadians supports the broader goals of the RCAF 2024 Campaign to increase Canadians' overall awareness of the RCAF while building strong relationships with the public and inspiring youth through examples of admirable behavior and community contributions.

Joyce Tekahnawiiaks King, Director of the NNATC, accepted on behalf of the College and Board of Directors saying, "We are building relationships and friendships. This has opened up my eyes that we have a lot more in common, than a lot more things to fight about. I was a little apprehensive at first, but we – Akwesasne, have many veterans in our community. We have people who have served in the armed forces, and we are very proud of that."

She added, I'm very happy to share that culture. And hopefully we are going to grow as a culture and a society and be able to share our knowledge. We are a living and breathing society; many people don't know who we are and have only stereotypes and generalizations. Breaking down those barriers is part of the Native North American Traveling College mandate.

Representing the American Legion, Post 1479 was Edward Smoke, who shared a poignant story of his service in a role of a scout. Smoke comes from a long line of servicemen.

"When I got to my first duty station, one of the guys there was like, wait a minute, you're Native. How can you be in the military? He goes, how can you be in the middle? For everything that we've done to your communities, to your people. I said, we are allies. Where are we going to go if the if Russia attacks the United States, where are we going to go? We can only support the United States and Canada. To be there to protect their own homes and our own communities. And that is why I served."

The RCAF cadets arrive in Cornwall from across the country, and the RCAF will continue to send their cadets to the NNATC to learn.

Ryan said, "We always talk to the students about what they learned. And the big thing that always comes back is – what a beautiful culture they have. Our students would not get an opportunity to see this if we didn't bring them here. They love talking about the clan mother and the role of the clan mother in your matrilineal society. And yes, what they bring back is how beautiful the culture and traditions are."