At the March Tribal Monthly Meeting, the nonprofit youth organization Good Mind Grappling (“GMG”) provided a programmatic update on its activities to the community as a Tribal Opioid Settlement Fund awardee.
The Tribal Opioid Settlement Fund was created following a 2018 filing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York to address the devastating effects of prescription opioids created by pharmaceutical companies. Since 2023, the Tribe received varying annual distributions totaling just over $1.8 million and will continue to receive varying amounts until 2037. It is estimated that the Tribe may receive over $3.3 million by the end of 2037.
Founded in 2023, brothers Thomas Rahontsiiostha Barreiro and Phillip Raweriio Barreiro leveraged their combined decades of technical experience and knowledge to bring a program for at-risk youth to the Akwesasne community. “Our mission is to combat intergenerational trauma in Indigenous communities by providing positive physical outlets for at-risk and wounded youth,” Thomas shared. Students learn to move with intention, regulate emotions, resolve conflict peacefully, and uplift one another.
“We cannot change the history that brought trauma into our community. But we can influence the environments our children grow up in today. The work we do today can impact the outcomes for youth in our community tomorrow,” Good Mind Grappling shared at the March Tribal Monthly Meeting.
In 2025, the SRMT Opioid Settlement Fund awarded Good Mind Grappling $57,500 requested on behalf of Salmon River Central School District. This award fund helped expand youth wrestling in Akwesasne and strengthened partnerships with local schools and the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club. This funding supported program structure, curriculum development, coaching, mentorship, and long-term capacity building. GMG Coaching staff includes community members, Phillip White, and Shoienkwarowane Sargent, as well as Sariah Stewart, a six-time freestyle All-American and a two-time folkstyle All-American wrestler.
During the 2025 program year, GMG held 19 sessions across both Salmon River and Saint Regis Mohawk School in partnership with Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club (ABGC). Of the 47 registered youth, nearly half (49%) were girls, demonstrating a strong and growing balance in participation and interest. GMG hosted its program at not only the ABGC Summer Program and Salmon River Central Schools, but also introductory sessions at Akwesasne Mohawk Board of Education (AMBE) Schools in Kana:takon, Tsi Snaihne, and Kawehno:ke.
“It’s been really nice to see a community program that supports wellness and provides an alternative sport to the youth and people of Akwesasne. It’s been offered to all ages. And it’s there for all the right reasons. Our children have the opportunity to learn from our own professional athletes in Akwesasne territory. It really is a gift, for our people to share their gift to inspire other young members,” a parent shared of the Good Mind Grappling programming.
The Tribe encourages community members to check out Good Mind Grappling’s full presentation on the Tribal Member Portal.
In 2025, the Tribal Council published a request for FY 2026 proposals for non-profit organizations to provide culturally appropriate activities that are aimed at remediating the opioid epidemic’s impact on the Akwesasne community. The Tribal Council looks forward to the announcing the 2026 Tribal Opioid Settlement Recipients on the Tribe’s social media and website: www.srmt-nsn.gov.