The 24th annual Akwesasne Winter Carnival hosted by the Akwesasne Coalition for Community Empowerment was held over this weekend with Opening Ceremonies kicking things off at Iakhihsohtha on Thursday February 12, 2015. Events were held mainly at the St. Regis Mohawk School, Generations Park and the Seniors Center. There were activities for the whole family and food galore from a spaghetti dinner, to Indian tacos, steak and cornbread and chili.

The Snye Recreation center held the MCA vs. Tribe Battle Royale. Because of the sub-zero temperatures, all of the activities were cancelled because they were outdoors. However, for this broomball game the Snye hall was booked, and the game was played - won by MCA. Photo: Derrick Lafrance.

Despite the frigid arctic weather the carnival had a great turnout. Events included a puppet theatre, kickball, environment display, power wheels, bingo, two fashion shows and ice skating. Some of the contests and tournaments were puzzle, jenga, scrabble, ace to king, and cribbage. Cook offs included chili and yeast/fry bread, corn soup and fry bread, wild game and a cake-decorating contest.

There was something for everyone and it all wrapped up Sunday night at the Mohawk School with closing ceremonies, where all the winners collected their well-deserved prizes.

The Winter Carnival had several corporate sponsors including the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and the Akwesasne Convenience Store Association.

Other sponsors included the Alcohol/Chemical Dependency Program, Wholistic Health and Wellness Program, Diabetes Prevention Program, Diabetes Center for Excellence, MCA's Department of Tehotiiennawakon in Partnership with St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Services, American Legion Post 1479, Akwesasne Chamber of Commerce, Wide Band Network and CKON Radio.