Akwesasne Coalition for Community Empowerment Conjures Up an Evening of Zombies

The Akwesasne Coalition for Community Empowerment organized an outstanding event for teens and those adults who can go face to face with "Zombies" on Friday, October 25, 2013. Targeted at teens, the "Zombie Infested Obstacle Course" was enjoyed by anyone over the age of 11 and had nerves of steel to ward off all the zombies while making it through the obstacle course. And if screaming for your life by being scared out of your wits is enjoyment, then the evening was pure joy.

Planning for this event began in September and the first challenge was to find a place large enough, safe, and conducive to this event. For some organizers this is their favorite event of the year and start planning for the next Halloween the day after the event concludes. Set on Tsionkwanatiio grounds, the Zombie Infested Obstacle Course started on the north side of the building, wrapped around towards the river, then east across the old garden fields and ending back at the out buildings. Obstacles were set up along the way and whether you were crawling through tires, under a giant spider's nets, or passing through a "horrific hospital tent", zombies were there to scare the living daylights out of you. Each "zombie" was made up by professional makeup artist Christian Thompson. Thompson's creation of zombies took this course to another level of realism and this could be attested to by the screams by those passing through the course. Each registered teen received an orange t-shirt and parents of pre-teens were consulted as to whether their child could handle the course, both physically and emotionally. "Zombies" were also instructed to monitor their scariness accordingly. At least 103 teens passed through the course from 6pm to 8pm.

In each event organized by the Coalition, a theme and message is chosen. According to Mel Back, Prevention Specialist of the Alcohol, Chemical Dependency Program, "We are there to help and support teens to make the good choice of being drug free. There are always negative choices and no matter what they chose, we are there".

The obstacle course, which was truly infested with Zombies, is a metaphor to the journey through life. No matter what obstacle you are facing in life, as a child, teen, or young adult there is a cadre of support here in Akwesasne to help you. The Zombie Infested Obstacle Course was proof of that support with over 18 SRMT, MCA, Haudenosaunee programs and services joining together to make this an incredible evening for those who were fortunate to attend. The set up was impressive and professional from the zombies to the obstacles to the sound and lighting effects, but what was most impressive and inspiring was to see so many people working together to make this event such a success.

Mel Back was grateful for all who volunteered their time and energy, "We are so fortunate to have a group of such dedicated and talented people (from programs, services, volunteers, parents and local businesses) who help to create these events for Akwesasne. We also had high school students who were fulfilling their volunteer requirements and also having a great time". Each program or service department was responsible for their own area as far as props, materials and theme. The creativity and expertise comes from every area, artistic, creative crafts, lighting and sound, even those who gather resources for each event. Besides ghosts and goblins and witches and zombies building fun out of fear, there was a strong sense of "community" that evening and that sense helps build a strong community.

A list of programs, services and businesses that helped make this evening possible:

Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Program (Prevention and Outpatient), Haudenosaunee Women's Coalition, Mike Loran's Sign's First, ACT NOW, Three Sisters Program, Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club, Akwesasne Child and Family Services, Let's Get Healthy, Wholistic Health and Wellness, Rob White and Cynthia Lord of Akwesasne Mohawk Police and RCMP, SRMT Tribal Police, Department of Social Services, Indian Child Welfare Act, Akwesasne Justice Program, Johnson O'Malley, Family Support, SRMT Mental Health, Early Childhood Education Headstart, Family Wellness Program and the Intensive Preventive Program and most importantly; parents, volunteers, and high school volunteers.