On Seskehkó:wa/September 30, 2026, the second annual Orange Shirt Day gathering organized by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne brought community members together to honor and remember survivors of the residential school system.
The day started with a tobacco burning offering to bring participants together under one good mind, followed by a community walk from Church street to Generations Park, where opening remarks were presented by Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne leadership. Both Council's formally acknowledge the important work with survivors and the efforts put forth to honor their memory of Rick Oakes, who received a Community Recognition Award.
Following the opening ceremony, the AMBE Mohawk Language & Culture Center hosted a smoke dance competition. The Travis Solomon Lacrosse box was filled corner to corner with cultural programming, and interactive booths for attendees to create crafts or learn something new, in the spirit of remembrance.
A medicine game hosted by the Seven Dancers Coalition and the Akwesasne Child & Family Services Traditional Support unit closed out the day, bringing both youth and elders together to participate. Orange Shirt Day will continue to be a day where we honor our ancestors and work to preserve the culture for the next generations.
Niawen'kó:wa to all survivors, organizers, speakers, volunteers and participants for your support for this year's Orange Shirt Day. A special niawen'kó:wa to the SRMT Social Services Division for your valuable contributions to this event every year.