"In Honour of Missing and Murdered People of Akwesasne" Memorial Plaques Unveiled
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Kana:takon District Chiefs, Tim Thompson and Theresa Jacobs, do the honors unveiling the memorial plaque located outside the St. Regis Recreation Center in Kana:takon.
By: Jaclyn Hall
The Akwesasne Family Wellness Program has pulled off a project unique to Akwesasne. An all too common issue for most indigenous people, many can agree, would be the issue of murdered and missing indigenous men, women and children. Especially here in Akwesasne, no one is exempt from the trauma and hurt of having a missing or murdered loved one.
During the past week (August 26-28), the Akwesasne Family Wellness Program unveiled three memorial plaques throughout the northern portion of Akwesasne. Located at the A'nowara'ko:wa Arena, Tsi Snaihne Recreation and Kana:takon Recreation, the memorial plaques stand tall, surrounded by seating areas. All three plaques are exactly same; with artwork by Brad Bonaparte etched into the top center of the plaque with a message reading; "Iakhiiè:iahre' tánon' wàakhikwénienhste' ne ionakiàtahtón'on tánon' Konwanahshéhton ne Ahkwesesahshró:non" and in English below, "In honor of the murdered and missing indigenous people of Akwesasne".
One of three memorial plaques located throughout Akwesasne, it reads "In Honor of the Missing and Murdered People of Akwesasne". Photo by MCA Communications.
"We didn't put any names, because unfortunately, there will be more names added to the list of murdered and missing people in Akwesasne. Just recently, Jeffery Lazore was murdered, and we wouldn't want his family to feel as if this memorial plaque is not dedicated to him also. These plaques are a living memory of all the past and future loved ones, who maybe be missing or murdered." Stated Program Coordinator, Pat Dusseault, "I would like to thank the family of Brad Bonaparte for donating the original artwork used for the plaques to the Akwesasne Family Wellness Program."
If you have a missing or murdered loved one, an event is taking place on September 18th to assist you and provide you with resources. The Families of Missing and Murdered Relatives Information Session will take place from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the St. Regis Recreation. Topics include: How to report a missing person; Importance of DNA and How to Submit; Association of Families of Missing and Murdered Relatives information; and Victim Services and Community Resources. To register for this free event, please contact the Akwesasne Family Wellness Program at 613-937-4322, the Akwesasne Community Justice Program at 613-575-5000 or the Akwesasne Mohawk Police at 613-575-2340.
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