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Akwesasne Freedom School Preserves Culture |
Culture is a natural resource that is just as important as our air and water. Just as diversity in genetics and species is vital to survival, diversity of cultures ensures a sustainable future. The Akwesasne Freedom School deeply understands this reality, and has acted accordingly for years.
The school is located on the Saint Lawrence River near Massena, NY, and was started in 1979 by a concerned group of parents. Parents were concerned about lack of Mohawk language instruction, and racism in schools. In 1985 a language immersion program, in which Mohawk was the only language spoken during school, began. It was the first program of its kind in the US.
Through the school’s curriculum students preserve the old ways, and learn how to cope with the new. By focusing on its young people, the Mohawk nation becomes stronger. As well as practicing traditions within their own community, students are also taught to be ambassadors of their culture to the global community. "It is very important that we learn our culture and ceremonies. Without this we wouldn’t be where we are today. We would be just as destructive to our environment as other societies. We give thanks to the foods, trees, grasses, water and everything that gives us strength to survive. We shall always continue to keep our ceremonies," says Katsitsakwas, a Freedom School graduate.
A large emphasis is placed on the Mohawk language at the Freedom School. It plays an important role in the preservation of culture, because it is a determinant of how one perceives the world. Students learn in a social context through speaking, singing, writing, and reading. The Thanksgiving Address is the foundation of all curriculum. Recited at the opening and closing of every Mohawk gathering, it provides guidelines for learning responsibility and giving thanks to the Creator and all creation. The science curriculum teaches responsible decisions regarding the environment, and uses hands on learning to demonstrate principles. Projects include a community garden, planting 3000 trees to create a forest, learning to tap maple trees, and pounding Black Ash logs for basket weaving. Students are required to attend fifteen ceremonial holidays at the Long house. History and Geography curriculum helps understand life through a physical, historical, economic and human lens. Both traditional ceremonial and contemporary events are examined.
As Chief Tom Sakokwenionkas Porter says, "The prophecies say that the time will come when the grandchildren will speak to the whole world. The reason for the Akwesasne Freedom School is so the grandchildren will have something significant to say."
Contact:
Akwesasne Freedom School
Racquette Rd
Hogansburg, NY 13655
Tel: 518-358-2073
The school is located on the Saint Lawrence River near Massena, NY, and was started in 1979 by a concerned group of parents. Parents were concerned about lack of Mohawk language instruction, and racism in schools. In 1985 a language immersion program, in which Mohawk was the only language spoken during school, began. It was the first program of its kind in the US.
Through the school’s curriculum students preserve the old ways, and learn how to cope with the new. By focusing on its young people, the Mohawk nation becomes stronger. As well as practicing traditions within their own community, students are also taught to be ambassadors of their culture to the global community. "It is very important that we learn our culture and ceremonies. Without this we wouldn’t be where we are today. We would be just as destructive to our environment as other societies. We give thanks to the foods, trees, grasses, water and everything that gives us strength to survive. We shall always continue to keep our ceremonies," says Katsitsakwas, a Freedom School graduate.
A large emphasis is placed on the Mohawk language at the Freedom School. It plays an important role in the preservation of culture, because it is a determinant of how one perceives the world. Students learn in a social context through speaking, singing, writing, and reading. The Thanksgiving Address is the foundation of all curriculum. Recited at the opening and closing of every Mohawk gathering, it provides guidelines for learning responsibility and giving thanks to the Creator and all creation. The science curriculum teaches responsible decisions regarding the environment, and uses hands on learning to demonstrate principles. Projects include a community garden, planting 3000 trees to create a forest, learning to tap maple trees, and pounding Black Ash logs for basket weaving. Students are required to attend fifteen ceremonial holidays at the Long house. History and Geography curriculum helps understand life through a physical, historical, economic and human lens. Both traditional ceremonial and contemporary events are examined.
As Chief Tom Sakokwenionkas Porter says, "The prophecies say that the time will come when the grandchildren will speak to the whole world. The reason for the Akwesasne Freedom School is so the grandchildren will have something significant to say."
Contact:
Akwesasne Freedom School
Racquette Rd
Hogansburg, NY 13655
Tel: 518-358-2073
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