She:kon Sewakwekon,

The Akwesasne International Powwow Committee takes this time to congratulate the Akwesasne community on another extremely successful Cultural Celebration. We have had the pleasure of announcing year after year how the Akwesasne Powwow continues to grow. This year was no exception as our 18th annual broke the record books on attendance. We prayed hard for good weather, which always has a big part to play in any outdoor event. All of our vendors, both Craft and Food, were kept very busy throughout the weekend as visitors looked for that one-of-a-kind authentic keepsake or sampled the Native cuisine. Joe Tahonnie and the Apache Crown Dancers from WhiteRiver, Arizona were our special invited guests as they brought their healing songs and dances to our community. It is a well known fact that the present state of the health of our People is cause for great concern and that many families are grieving from varying degrees of trauma. Along with the Apache Crown Dancers the Powwow Committee called for an Honor Song for all those we have lost since the last time we gathered.

We are always extremely grateful for the Sponsors that respond to our lobbying efforts to assure the success and longevity of our Cultural Celebration. Some have been with us for some time, some have come on for the first time and some have left to possibly rejoin at a later date. All in all, we remain humbled and grateful as we do our due diligence to announce and promote these gracious supporters. We encourage community members, if given the opportunity, to thank the individuals and patronize the businesses of the following:

The Akwesasne Community Partnership Fund inclusive of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino and the Mohawk Bingo Palace, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (Casino Rama Funds), Bank of Montreal, Upper Canada District School Board, Catholic School Board of Eastern Ontario, Welch LLP Registered Accountants, Ontario Power Generation, Enbridge, Scotia Wealth Management, Indian Time Newspaper, CKON Radio, Tarbell Management Group, Truck Stop #9 and #9 Fuels, CAA Management, Dr. Rachel Navaneelan, Akwesasne Convenience Store Association, Telus Mobility, Bell Mobility, Julia Back & Family, Lazore's Construction, Brass Horse, Summerheights Golf Course.

Anybody attending the Powwow will notice our youth volunteers that have decided to use the Powwow to garner their volunteer hours towards their high school diploma. They work tirelessly assisting vendors as they arrive, assuring our grounds are kept clean and a myriad of duties that keep things running smoothly. We are very grateful for their assistance and they should be commended for their contributions towards our Cultural Celebration. The Akwesasne International Powwow Committee remains committed as the work begins soon enough towards the 19th Annual!