Akwesasane, NY - One of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's priorities is to provide our youth with educational opportunities beyond the scope of the classroom. At the United South Eastern Tribe Impact Week, four talented students from Akwesasne were selected to represent their community and Native youth through the Close Up Foundation. The programs give students a front row seat to democratic process and walk away with a perspective on how Washington, D.C. and Indian Country work together.
The opening ceremony began with student leaders holding their Nation’s flag. Blaze White carried the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s flag and Shye Chubb assisted the Oneida Nation by carrying their flag. In front of their peers and USET participants, Brandee King and Chase Thompson presented their original poem, entitled "Let Us Have This In Our Minds.” They were two of four students who honored the crowd by sharing their work, surrounded by drummers and a perpetual flame in the background at the USET reception. “It is inspiring to witness our students share their poetry to other Nations and their peers in our language,” stated Chief Beverly Cook.
The students are learning about both United States history and how issues in Native America are intertwined. As part of their participation, the students presented information about Akwesasne and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to their peers. The Education Division is very appreciative of Tribal Council's support to augment educational opportunities for our students through experiences like CloseUp that give Mohawk students the chance to network, meet new friends and experience democracy on a national level,” shared Executive Director of Education, Stephanie Cook. "The Room Occupancy Fee made attending this event possible for our young leaders." The Close Up Program began on Saturday, February 7, and will end on Friday, February 13, 2015.
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