Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Submitted by Alice King

This article was written by a grandmother of one of our students as well as Kasewaien Peters, grade 2 teacher.

Ionkwahkwisron ne Kanienkeha aiakwaronke

One day while having lunch at Twin Leaf with my Bro’ Brian, one of my student’s Grandma came over and told me how proud she was of her grandson, Tekaronhiathe Angus who speaks so much Kanienkeha now. I was so proud she told me this, especially in front of my brother. Even though I know he would tell everyone this great news, I thought I would share it with Ahkwesahsne. I asked her later if she could write something so we could put it up in our class on our famous wall. I think it deserves to be seen.

Sago, Akwekon.

I was asked by Quincy’s teacher to write words of encouragement pertaining to our language. Quincy’s a quiet, shy and well mannered young man.

I first noticed Quincy speaking the language when Jess (Quincy’s Mom) asked me to pick him up at his Tota Jack’s. He was speaking a lot and I had gotten excited to hear him put the words together. His Tota Jack is fluent in his native language. I felt great to hear Jack and Quincy speak together. I also feel sad that I did not have the language, because if I was fortunate to have the language I would make sure that all my grandchildren could speak it.

I was at the longhouse and Quincy had his friend from the same class sitting with us. I kept encouraging them to speak and could not believe how well they spoke. Way better than me.

When we were there one of my Grandchildren said, “Is there really a Creator?” And both of them said yeah and began to say he created the earth, birds, humans and he even made China. We all laughed.

I love Quincy and I encourage his parents Jess and Pete to keep it going. I am also glad to hear him speak with his classmates. He’s doing a good job and I encourage anyone who sees him that can speak to talk to him in our language Kanienkeha (Mohawk).

From his Tota Snye

Turk

Do not believe, but “KNOW” you will have the language.

I just wanted to say Niawenhkowa to Tota Snye