On Seskéha/August 29, 2026, the Akwesasne Thunder were honored with a Founders Cup Parade and community reception at the Generations Park Amphitheater to celebrate the team's triumphant run in St. John's, New Brunswick, where they swept the tournament as the 2026 undefeated champions.
Elder Richard Mitchell recited the Ohen:ton Kariwatekhwen to open the champions' reception and spread good words and medicine throughout. An honor song performed by Akwesasne elders Dan George and Mark Jock commemorated the hard work and honor each member of the Thunder carried through their regular season and into the Founders Cup tournament.
Chief Ross Garrow shared words of pride and encouragement, and paid homage to past Thunder players who "have made it to the Founders Cup and brought back silver and bronze." Noting that the current team is the first to "bring home the gold" to Akwesasne.
Team captain Tehokwirathe Barreiro shouted out his squad of determined, dedicated young men individually, sharing the value and connection each brings to the team's success. Barreiro also recognized the youngest member of the Thunder, his brother Karakwatiron, who moved up to Junior B lacrosse mid-season from the OLA Minor Box League.
The day of dedication to the Thunder's victory ended with the smoke dance, where the boys replayed a standout moment in the tournament against the Seneca War Chiefs, signifying their strong connection to creation and their responsibility to play the creator's game with a good mind. The boys graciously took photographs and signed autographs with fans, friends, and family to close out the highly anticipated champion celebration.
A big niawen'ko:wa goes to CAA Management, the Akwesasne Thunder Lacrosse Team, CKON FM, SRMT Police Department, the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department, Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance, SRMT Parks and Recreation, the SRMT Executive Director's Office, and most importantly the Thunder fans, for their support and for making this celebration a success!