A Tribute to Akwesasne From Centennial to Millennial Spring

A Japanese Concert presented by The Kitanodai Gagaku Ensemble

 

Artist Charlotte King with visitors from Japan. Charlotte’s painting was featured on the brochure.

A cross cultural exchange of traditional songs and dances

Everyone welcome at Tsi Snaihne Recreation Center on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 2:00 and 6:30 sharp!

A welcoming reception was held on Wed. April 11th at the St. Regis Recreation Hall. David Staddon did a welcome in the Japanese language. Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs Eddie Gray and Richard Mitchell greeting the visitors to our territory. Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Grand Chief Mike Mitchell and Saint Regis Mohawk Chief Randy Hart also welcomed the visitors. Kanatakon District Chief Larry King presented gifts to Mr. and Mrs. Iguchi, as well as acknowledging Lois Terrance for her hard work in making this event happen. A delicious meal was shared by everyone. Besides Lois, other community members include Saka Pembleton, Brenda Lafrance, Elizabeth Perkins, Doris Cook, Barbara Barnes, Leona Barnes, Audrey Herne, Larry Herne, Charlotte King and Wesley Laughing.

See everyone Thursday at the Snye Recreation for the 2:00 or 6:30 show.

Background

In mid 1990, Ernie Benedict and Brian Skidders invited a group of Japanese people to Akwesasne. During the years that followed they befriended many Akwesasronon while sharing their teachings on Nature Cultivation, a planting method that utilizes the energies from the sun, moon and soil. With us, they have shared their cultural teachings and customs, a healing method known as Jorei, foods, music and dance.

Our visitors return to Akwesasne at least twice a year. They are exceedingly polite and respectful. They openly show their respect for us, each other and especially their elders. They show us how determined they are to make a better world for future generations through their healing ways.

When the Earthquake happened in Japan last year, Akwesasne friends did some fundraising to help them with their troublesome situation. Niio Perkins designed, sewed and donated a beautiful Kimono for a raffle, others just opened their hearts and gave cash. As a way of saying “thank you” for our fundraising efforts; they offered to come to Akwesasne and perform their traditional songs and dance, known as Gagaku, for the whole community, during their 2012 tour in the States.

The Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has officially extended an invitation to the Kitanodai Gagaku Ensemble to perform their traditional songs and dances in Akwesasne. It is an honor and privilege to have them accept the invitation, as they perform all over the world.

Gifts were presented to Mr. and Mrs. Iguchi by District Chief Larry King.

On this trip they will be performing at the University of Maryland, the Boston Symphony Hall and after Akwesasne, the Kennedy Center in DC. The theme for the 2012 tour is “From Centennial to Millennial Spring”. Specifically, this is for celebrating the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the cherry blossom trees in DC, from Japan.

They wish to renew friendships and the existing bond between our two countries, our Native peoples and to contribute to world peace.

Methodology

Gagaku is the most ancient classical music and dance of Japan. It was perfected in the 10th century and is based on Native Japanese songs and dances, as well as instrumental music and dance from the entire Asian continent.

The event is supported by the Consulate General of Japan, in New York. A list of sponsors will appear in next week’s issue of Indian Time.

 

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