Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

The Akwesasne Freedom School Annual Dinner and Survival Race was held this past weekend under clear blue skies and attended by plenty of supporters and athletes. This year's theme could have been "Age Does Not Matter", as young, dedicated and committed parents juggled babies, toddlers and school age children while volunteering their entire week and weekend to host their largest fundraising event of their school year. As well, all but one teammate of the Kahnawake's winning team, "Kanonhkwa'tsheri:io", was over 55 years old, fit and healthy they proved age does not matter finishing the race with a time of 2hours and 41 minutes.

The Akwesasne Freedom School entered into its 37th year of educating young Mohawk children immersed in our Kaniekeha language, customs and culture on August 3, 2015. 37 years ago parents, under a politically stressed situation were concerned over how their children were going to attend school, and what their children were being taught in school. Ultimately they made the decision to take control of their children's education and provide them with teachings that just didn't exist in mainstream, public education systems. With this decision made years ago, AFS has floundered and flourished at various times and by the sheer will and determination of its parents and supporters the school has emerged into a stable and well-respected school over the years. Under the direction of dedicated directors and managers, the Akwesasne Freedom School eventually transformed itself into a Mohawk immersion program operating under a 12-month season under the direction of the late Brain Skidders. Unwavering and valued, this is all possible by the parents and supporters of the school who have operated solely on fundraising and contributions.

A large portion of money was raised during the AFS Annual Quilt auction on Sunday, August 23, 2015. The crowd at the AFS Quilt Auction was moved and caught by the moment of viewing bright, intricate handmade quilts, which are by all intents and purposes functional pieces of artwork. There were 47 quilts donated for the AFS Quilt Auction, raising $27,650 from their quilt auction. Natasha Smoke-Santiago donated a traditional, handmade clay pot and a one of a kind golf bag made fron splint, was donated by Tehonwenhniserathe, a student at AFS. During the auction, supporters could feast on steak and cornbread and many other staples of the AFS Annual Dinner. As well, over the Annual Dinner was host to 23 vendors selling their crafts and wares.

Lynell Cook made many of the quilts in the auction, distinguished by the fine work and craftsmanship this quilt is representative of her carefully chosen colors and patterns.

The AFS Survival Race was held on Saturday, August 22, 2015. This survival race has a long history starting in 1985 and running up to 1989 and reviving itself in 2010 under the direction of Aroniahes Herne. The winning team from Kahnawake ran this race 27 years ago winning that year and winning again this year as well proving age does not matter. To the delight of athletes, fans and supporters, all were thrilled the Kahnawake team beat the Border Patrol's record time of 2hrs and 47 minutes, but this would have been even more delightful if the Border Patrol team was present. Maybe next year?

During the auction, the AFS Parents took a moment to honor a long-standing supporter Andy Swamp. Andy has donated untold amounts of time, energy and items to AFS. In fact, Andy Swamp purchased and donated the first AFS Survival race trophy and he regularly donated his beautiful rattles and when in healthier times help to construct play areas, buildings and other structures on the AFS school grounds. The AFS Parents presented Mr. Swamp with a handmade quilt which he promptly donated back to the school remarking, "This goes against our beliefs (to be honored for volunteering), and so I am donating it back". The quilt raised over $1200 dollars for the school and challenged others to match that price which will go towards the new school development at the east end of Akwesasne.