HEAL LODGE, MOHAWK COUNCIL OF AKWESASNE, SAINT REGIS MOHAWK TRIBE, AND MOHAWK NATION COUNCIL OF CHIEFS UNITE TO HONOUR PAST AND PRESENT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
On Monday, October 28, 2024, the Haudenosaunee Everlasting Academy of Learning (HEAL) Lodge, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA), the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT), and the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs (MNCC) united to honour past and present volunteer firefighters. The event was hosted at the Tsi Snaihne Recreation Center, with a prepared meal courtesy of Mary Terrance, Arvella Thomas, and Lynne Thompson. The evening’s festivities were emceed by Aronia Collective founder, and PhD candidate, Abraham Francis.
SRMT’s Tribal Council and MCA’s Council of Chiefs were in attendance and volunteered to serve meals to the honourees and their families and guests.
In a jam packed room, Della Adams of the HEAL Lodge, welcomed all the guests to an evening of relaxation and entertainment. She expressed to the audience the goal of the evening was to honour our firefighters for all their tireless years of dedication to the community of Akwesasne.
“You are the group that is running into the building when everyone else is running out,” said Adams. “You risk your lives during every emergency, every fire, every possible worst case scenario. There are no words to express our sincere gratitude for your sacrifices. We would like to have one evening where we celebrate you all for your tireless and unwavering dedication to our community.”
The event featured many guest speakers who came to give words of appreciation and encouragement to the volunteer firefighters who were in attendance, including revered elder and speaker, Tom Porter; SRMT’s Director of Health, Mike Cook; and MCA’s Mental Health & Wellness Sector Acting Associate Director, Wennietanoron Oakes. Celebrated Indigenous comedian, Don Burnstick, was also in attendance, providing a hilarious comedy set for the evening’s entertainment.
Firefighters, both past and present, were gifted an eagle feather wrapped in a hand-sewn protective case for them to take home. The HEAL team and family members spent many hours handcrafting the feather holders.
Local beader, Stacey Rourke, created a mind-blowing, hand-beaded replica of the HAVFD logo, which will go on display at one of the three firefighter stations in Akwesasne.
On behalf of the HEAL Lodge, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, and the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs, we extend our sincerest gratitude to our volunteer firefighters.
