CULTURE AND LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION

Reviving Tradition Through Song and Performance in Akwesasne

Indigenous activism is growing, and young leaders in First Nations communities are stepping up to ensure the next generation carries forward traditional practices and cultural celebrations.

The Mohawks of Akwesasne are among those championing efforts to bring back Akwesasronon culture and language, starting with their youngest members in the classroom. However, the community currently doesn’t have youth groups dedicated to preserving traditional Mohawk social and ceremonial singing or teaching culture through performance and drama.

To address this gap, the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Board of Education (AMBE) is partnering with the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall to introduce an Akwesasronon youth performance group. Student groups have been launched at three AMBE schools, where students can learn traditional Mohawk songs and performance. With the guidance of a cultural arts consultant and three lead singers, these groups meet weekly to teach traditional songs and movements, ensuring that learning is engaging and rooted in Mohawk traditions.

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is proud to support AMBE’s vision, helping Akwesasronon students learn and communicate in their traditional language of Kanien’kéha. This initiative takes an innovative and creative approach, offering students access to high-quality language resources through custom curriculum development for all grade levels. The IRF’s funding will enable young learners to benefit from the expertise of Elder Kanien’kéha speakers, artists, graphic designers, and trained staff members.

Over recent years, AMBE has focused on initiatives that directly impact Akwesasne youth. By prioritizing the revitalization of Kanien’kéha language and Akwesasronon culture, AMBE is encouraging student success, fostering community relationships, and promoting sustainable cultural growth.

Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall

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