Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

The Akwesasne International Powwow Committee takes this opportunity to say niawenko:wa and to congratulate Akwesasne on another exciting and successful Cultural Celebration. The 2016 Akwesasne International Powwow, held on Saturday, Sept. 10th and Sunday, Sept. 11th, was well attended and despite the weather we were able to conclude another event for the satisfaction of Akwesasne and surrounding communities.

The Powwow Committee was delighted by the abundant show of hands when our Master of Ceremonies (MC) asked who is attending for the first time. We were equally delighted to be introduced to friends from Ireland and Europe, who if not for the great distance, would surely attend again. It is heartwarming to see so many nationalities, colors and races of people coming together to celebrate with us, including participating in Inter-Tribal Dances. With the calamity in the world today as evidenced by horrifying stories in the news our celebration is proof positive that “the only things that should be divided by color is laundry!”

We always take great pride in recognizing our veterans and we appreciate that we can count on the Akwesasne American Legion Post 1479 for presenting our Color Guard at all 3 Grand Entries. This year marked a special occasion where we proudly recognized the Akwesasne Mohawk Code Talkers who were also officially and finally recognized by the US government and eternalized in a beautiful community ceremony earlier in the summer. The language that they were forbidden to speak was instrumental in saving countless lives and crucial to victory at war time.

This year marked the 15th anniversary of the tragedy which has simply come to be known as 9-11, the falling of the Twin Towers in NY City by terrorist attack. Day 2 of our Powwow fell on 9-11-2016. With a special honor song and words from our MC at Grand Entry, we were proud to have on-hand members of the Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department representing our First Responders. Recognition was paid to all those that assisted on the ground while paying the ultimate sacrifice and those involved in the clean-up that now live with serious illnesses and of course those that have gone to the Creator as a result.

As we always state, The Akwesasne International Powwow will absolutely not be possible without our generous sponsors. A $135,000 annual budget demands support in collaboration with the other veins of income which include gates and vendors. The tremendous intricacies involved with an event of this magnitude, all with a price tag of their own, add up in a hurry. We extend our deepest appreciation to the following:

WAMPUM SPONSORS

Akwesasne Community Partnerships inclusive of Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino and Mohawk Bingo Palace

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne

Ontario Power Generation (OPG)

Bank of Montreal (BMO)

Catholic School Board of Eastern Ontario

Upper Canada District School Board

Scotiabank

TransCanada

BRONZE SPONSORS

CAA Management

Truck Stop #9 and #9 Fuels

Tarbell Management Group

Dr. Rachel Navaneelan

Indian Time Newspaper

CKON Radio

Dr. Dan Hovsepian

Akwesasne Convenience Store Association

SRMT Senior Centre, Iakhihsohtha & Tsiionkwanonhso:te

Bell Mobility

Telus Mobility

FRIENDS OF THE POWWOW

Akwesasne Mini Mart

Thomas Marina

Lazore Construction

Brass Horse Grill

Julia Back Skidders & Family

Besides the all-important financial sponsors there are many others that lend a hand in different ways. We cannot express enough gratitude for having the Akwesasne Ambulance Service on board year after year. It is something that our guests recognize and appreciate especially if they are in need of medical attention. We know they are kept busy with what might be considered minor things like bee stings and playground mishaps and it is very comforting to know that they are trained and equipped to meet any incident big or small.

The Bank of Montreal staff has been a mainstay with us for a number of years. You will find them in their polo shirts manning our entry gates. We also rely on their expertise when it comes to dealing with and handling finances. If you venture into BMO don’t hesitate to say niawen for their contributions to the Powwow.

The Point family has been gracious neighbours and forthcoming in allowing us access to their surrounding property for overflow parking. This is a good problem to have and crucial as the Powwow continues to expand. Niawen to Dean Point for always supplying hay bales to surround our Dance Circle and offering expertise when called upon.

One of the areas that need the most attention involves controlling the garbage that accumulates very quickly and extensively. Niawen to D&R Disposals for supplying the large garbage containers so we can keep Mother Earth clean.

At every Powwow we keep a Sacred Fire burning for the duration where visitors are welcome to burn tobacco and pray. We always begin our annual Cultural Celebration with an early morning ceremony whereby we ask the Creator for a successful, pleasant and safe event and that all of our guests arrive safely and arrive home safely afterwards. We say niawen to Joe Francis for supplying the firewood and helping us out in a bind. Also for assuring that the generators are on site and ready to be powered up. Niawen to MCA’s Dept. of Technical Services.

Niawen to Anowarako:wa Arena management and staff for your patience and assistance. Niawen to Redrum MC Akwesasne Chapter for all your assistance in shuttling our Elders and providing overnight security. Your presence was much appreciated.

Niawen to Core-Mark International Inc. for the donation of precious water for our Dancers and Drummers. Niawen to local businesses that advertised in our Powwow Program.

Niawen to Seaway International Bridge Corporation for once again accommodating a bridge pass to be found in our Powwow Program.

Last but definitely not least, we want to say a big niawenko:wa to our student volunteers that have chosen the Akwesasne International Powwow to accumulate those important volunteer hours that a student needs to graduate and receive a diploma from a Canadian school system. They take care of those non-glamorous but very important details that keep the Powwow on track and running smoothly. We simply cannot operate without them and they should share in the accolades of a successful 2016 Akwesasne International Powwow.

Hopefully we have left nobody out and if so it was not our intention. Onenkiwahe...see everybody next year!