Celebrating Mohawk Creation at the OPG Visitor Centre

On August 30th the Ontario Power Generation Visitor Centre hosted an evening with the members of the Akwesasne community to celebrate Mohawk culture. Visitors were welcomed outside the entrance to the centre with event maps and souvenirs.  Free popcorn was offered to enjoy while viewing a short film describing the late Mohawk artist John B Thomas’ mural, Kaniatares, meaning “long river” which depicts a traditional Mohawk village.  The mural is displayed in the centre’s auditorium.

Outside exhibits wove their way through the indigenous garden’s paths.   Talking Turtle Baskets displayed intricately woven baskets and hand-beaded jewellery.  Author Wentanoron Ariana Roundpoint presented her new children’s book “My Tota’s New Car”.  She explained that the word “tota” pronounced “Duh-da” means “grandmother.”  The author’s books educate children about the Indigenous culture and the Mohawk language.

Norman Peters, Camp Coordinator for the Thompson Island Cultural Camp presented the educational opportunities offered at the camp such as hands-on workshops for people of all ages to learn traditional skills such as fishing techniques, wooden boat building, venison canning, and so much more.

Kelly and Tyson Back, owners of Fire Loom Creations displayed colourful loom-beaded belts. Every belt is unique and custom-designed. Their belts are so much in demand for graduations that they have orders until 2031. Fire Loom also specialises in headbands and sashes and offers workshops to make loom-bead bracelets. 

Finally, Abraham Francis, Manager Of The Environment for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, sported a shirt with the words “Hátskwi sáta:ti kenh ne kanien’kéha?” which, in his words, loosely translates to “What’s Up?”.  He spoke with scientific knowledge of the Saint Lawrence River and his concerns about maintaining its resources and reducing pollution for future generations.  Standing before the garden’s Mother Earth/ Great Tree Of Peace, a large stone turtle with a white pine tree growing from its centre, he explains the multi-layered symbolism of this feature

The event showcased the beautiful Indigenous garden featuring informative interpretive signs and scannable QR codes.  A wealth of cultural information about the Mohawks of Akwesasne was provided to the numerous attendees.