Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

By: Jaclyn Hall

On Thursday, September 27th, community members were given an opportunity that doesn't come around too often. Kayaks and canoes were made available for anyone interested in taking one out on the river; the Konnect and Kayak event was free for the community and held from 5 pm to 6pm at Atsiakta on Rourke Road giving Akwesasne community members the opportunity to connect with one another, in a healthy way. The weather was beautiful, allowing participants to enjoy themselves out on the river, taking advantage of the warm weather while it lasts.

When asked why hosting the Konnect and Kayak event was important, organizer Chanel Cook stated, "September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control, each year more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind thousands of friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of their loss. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-24 (American Association of Suicidology). Risk factors for suicide vary by age, gender, and ethnic group. And risk factors often occur in combinations.

I'm part of the Akwesasne Suicide Prevention Committee and because of these statistics and my unique role as the Native Connection Coordinator with the Saint Regis Mohawk Alcoholism/Chemical Dependency Prevention Program, I'm able to work with the committee to bring Suicide prevention awareness mixed with a sense of connectivity that promotes healthy-risk taking. This event would not have been able to happen if it weren't for the members on the committee all from different programs in Akwesasne (Tribe/MCA) to make space for the topic of Suicide in our community to be discussed.

Two of the many participants who took advantage of the free kayaks (L to R) Chanel Cook and Kahentawaks Perkins. Photo by Annie Cree.

We rented kayaks, tandem kayaks, and canoes from Three Rivers Canoes & Kayak Rentals, Massena, and having a beautiful location at ASTIAKTA - By The River to connect with nature, each other, and talking about the local resources available to our community when approaching suicide, crisis, or other behavioural health issues.

The group consisted of committee members, community members, and youth. Some seasoned kayakers and one who never kayaked before, so we applauded her taking that healthy-risk! Fun was had by all while we tried some maneuvering skills while out on the Saint Lawrence."

Cook added, "We as the committee look forward to having more opportunities for those in the community who may be battling behavioural health issues, or even as a reminder to take a few seconds of self-care and connect."