Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Akwesasne community members proved Tuesday night why Akwesasne has the biggest Racing Against Drugs event in Canada. With community support and participation from numerous organizations, the A’nowara’ko:wa Arena was bustling Tuesday night. “Community Night” gives entire families the opportunity to see what Racing Against Drugs is about. The next two days are dedicated to schoolchildren bussed in.

Because of the amount of work it takes to plan the event, and how much money is needed, Racing Against Drugs is held every two years. This year, 1000 children were expected to walk the floor of the event over a two-day period. An additional number of children attended the open house night.

Racing Against Drugs promotes drug-free lifestyles through the use of racing and car-themed tools. Local racecar drivers volunteer to talk with the kids about their racing career, while also letting them view the real car they race with on the track.

Various organizations bring their vehicles onto the arena floor to keep the theme car-related. The Mohawk Council Ambulance Unit brings their ambulance. The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service brings a patrol car for children to sit in; The OPP brings a racing game.

Other organizations set up information booths or games, which are related to drugs and alcohol.

The main event for children is an electronic racecar track in the middle of the arena. Children line up around the track and use a remote control to race their car around the track and if they win, they get a high-five.

Police from Cornwall demonstrated their use of a police dog.

To further reinforce Racing Against Drugs as a positive event, valuable door prizes are drawn throughout. Anyone who attends has their name entered for a chance at any number of prizes, which are donated from local organizations. The high-end prizes include iPods, laptop computers and bicycles. Smaller items like t-shirts and Wal-Mart gift certificates are also drawn.

The Akwesasne Racing Drugs is organized with help from my volunteers and sponsors, including the committee of Nicole Piche, Tom Francis, Kim Loran, Isaac McDonald, Andy Lazore, Joel Doiron, Melerena Back, Leona Barnes, Terrie Terrance, Andrew Thomas, Larry Edgley, JoAnn Swamp, Marie Seymour, Wanienha:wi Lahache, Lynda Brown, Wanda Thompson and Karen White.

Co-Chairs of the event were Nicole Miller of the AMPS and Cynthia Lord of the RCMP.