My name is Katsitsiaione (Bringing the Flowers) (Neddie Thompson). Pine Ridge is a place we have been taking supplies to for the last two years, this being the third year. This year we are about to take winter supplies again. We are having a presentation of a video I have been working on, which began with youth from the movie “Alone Yet Not Alone.”

Skennen’taia:hawi (Carriers of the Peace) was formed to help Onkwehonwe people in need. The first year we had a lot of trouble but pushed on. Last year was much better with the help of many people from Akwesasne. A semi-truck donated by Rosalie Jacobs with Ryan Hill (support vehicle), and many people who donated time and funds for travel, made the journey much easier than the first time. Arcane Belief, Dirty Blues, 14 Knuckles Later, and soloes by both Cory Jacobs and Jake Bonaparte, donated time and played at the Legion to raise funds for travel. Also the 50/50 winner donated the winnings back to the Pine Ridge winter fund, which was organized by Bianca Jacobs.

Trucks to receive and store supplies were donated by Junior David, a taco sale and social from the longhouse (also used for storage and sorting supplies) and supplies brought from Kanawake and Onondaga packed the semi-truck full, which was a 53’ trailer.

Our people from Pine Ridge smiled and also shed tears as they received the supplies from Akwesasne. Maggie Wounded said, “This is the first time we got what people sent.” Another friend Milo Yellowhair, from slim butte said, “We are building friendships stronger, not superficial but real as it should be,” and he welcomed everyone to visit Pine Ridge and thanked everyone for the generosity Akwesasne gave. Albert Redbear from Allen said, “We have a protocol to take care of the elders and children first, we could do things any old way but to follow our own culture is beautiful and strong, these ways were here before I was here, before my grandparents were here. I remember visiting Akwesasne and the ceremonies there, people of the long house and Six Nations chiefs.”

The Akwesasne Area Management Board program participants gathered supplies along with other people and more have asked when they can give and help. This is the time, and we promised to give a call out to all the people who already have supplies to give.

A truck and driver is needed along with travel and food funds. The video fundraiser shows Akwesasne and all the people who have helped with the last two supply runs.

You are all invited to see the video Akwesasne has helped with for other Onkwehonwe villages, but it’s not just about a few people but all people of Akwesasne. You all helped in one way or another and your help is needed again.

Drop off site is Chiefs parking lot on November 17-18, 2012, across from the SRMT and clinic.

Neddie and Karina.

We keep the language and ceremonies alive and strong in the people. Skennentaia:hawi will be having a presentation of video fundraiser on Saturday November 17, 2012, 4:00pm- 6:00pm at the Seniors building, Akwesasne. This is open to all Onkwehonwe who can help with the Pine Ridge supplies.

Things needed also: 50 gallon see-through bags, colored masking tape, permanent markers, fold up tables and volunteers to sort and load. Please contact: Neddie 315-705-1792. Niawen:kowa.