Thompson Island Cultural Camp
On September 15, I went on a daytrip to the Thompson Island Cultural Camp with the Seaway Senior Citizen Club. I had been wanting to go there for quite some time and was happy to finally have the opportunity.
I boarded a pontoon with a dozen others at Warden’s Marina and enjoyed a short cruise on the St. Lawrence River to the Island. When we arrived, we were greeted by Marie Thompson and offered breakfast with a large array of choices to start our day. While the second shuttle of participants were enjoying their own breakfasts we were permitted to tour the property, camp cabins, and yurt.
Our group gathered at the firepit where we were introduced to Alicia Cook, Medicine Woman, Healer, Teacher, former Nurse, and member of the Wolf Clan. She spoke of her culture’s gratitude rather than prayer for everything that nature provides for us. The plants give us nutrition and medicine. Animals and insects all have their roles to play and they are all important. The sun, the moon, even thunder and lighting are all here for a reason. She then sang the Mohawk Water Song which gives tribute to the sacredness of the water. We would do the Medicine Walk counterclockwise, she explained, like the cycle of life (which mimics the rotation of the sun around the earth).
Alicia shared some of her knowledge about plants, showing us the plants, letting us know what parts of the plants were used for healing various ailments, how the medicine would be prepared, or what nutritional food we could use them for. For instance, Stinging Nettle could be made into a pesto with oil and cheese as part of a nutritional meal. She had us taste a small piece of Burdock leaf which has a bitter taste and explained that “bitter makes you strong and sweet makes you weak.” She mentioned that Brazil nuts contained selenium which is good for brain health and depression and that two or three nuts a day were sufficient. “During times of sorrow, get out the nuts so you don’t go nuts.” I learned that wild grape leaves can be boiled, and the liquid used as a hair rinse to make it shine. So much more information was dispensed, but you will just have to check it out for yourselves by booking your own tour.
Afterwards, we had a Traditional Mohawk Class where we made hominy corn soup, fry bread, and strawberry drinks. For lunch, we had this along with butternut squash, kale salad, and an assortment of desserts.
We had free time after lunch, and a few of us decided to hike a trail loop. I had learned earlier from Arnold, one of the staff, that one of the original lessees on the island, James Cameron, had once had a farm there and had planted a couple of Cork Trees. These trees are non-native, usually growing in Europe or Africa, and I had never seen one. “You will know it when you see them,” he said. He was right. He also told me that the island is on the bird migratory route and that just last week he had seen hundreds of hummingbirds. Oh, what a sight that must have been! We had time for a second hike and were directed to a shorter trail with a sweat lodge and a view of the bay.
I left the Island on the pontoon feeling grateful for this beautiful adventure. Thank you to the Seaway Senior Citizens Club and Niá:wen to the wonderful staff at the Thompson Island Cultural Camp.
