Akwesasne Celebrates a Love of the Big River this Valentine’s Day

Cornwall, ON – The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) and the 2016 Akwesasne Winter Carnival Committee is celebrating its connection and affection for the Great River this Valentine’s Day by inviting the public to the 3^rd Annual  Friends of the River Forum (Ionkwatén:ro ne tsi kaniatará:kie).  The mighty St. Lawrence River (Kaniatarowanen:neh or The Big River in Mohawk) is the lifeblood that runs through the heart of three nations.  This Sunday, February 14^th, from 9 am to 4 pm a full host of River related activities, information, and discussion will flow through the Big Turtle (Anonwarako:wa) Arena in Akwesasne.

Hosted by the MCA Department of Tehotiiennawa:kon, this event is free of charge and the interactive activities and exhibits highlight the River and Traditional Environmental Knowledge. No passport is required and the first 75 guests will receive free return bridge passes. Along with the interactive fish, salamander, and turtle displays, children’s activities, and interactive exhibits, there will be a traditional lunch of fried bread, corn soup, and chili as well as a variety of door prizes, including a kayak. Everyone is also encouraged to bring along their skates as a family and “Sweetheart Skate” will be held after lunch.

Special guest presenters include the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Matt Ellerbeck from Save our Salamanders, Toronto Zoo Turtle Island Conservation Project, Thousand Islands National Park; the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences, Cornwall Lunker Club, South Lancaster Fish and Game Club, South Nation Conservation, Raisin Region Conservation Authority, Ontario Power Generation, St. Lawrence College’s Eagle Learning Centre, and Cooper Marsh.  A series of talks on fish, salamanders, shoreline protection, and traditional environmental knowledge will take place in the afternoon along with live animals and fish on site throughout the day. It promises to be a full day of fun, hands on learning, and discovery on the Big River in Akwesasne.

Henry Lickers, Environmental Science Officer with the MCA says, “This River is the History and Heart of the Mohawk People and we look forward to sharing this with our friends and neighbours.”   Dr. Jeff Ridal, River Institute Executive Director, adds, “We are always pleased to partner with the Mohawks of Akwesasne and are eager to take part in this important community event that focuses on our River,” says “We have a strong mutual interest and concern for understanding the health of this great River and a desire to work together to ensure it is protected.”

Media Contact:

Karen Douglass Cooper, Communications / Community Outreach Officer
Remedial Action Plan Coordinator
St. Lawrence River Area of Concern (Cornwall)

St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences
2 St. Lawrence Drive
Cornwall, ON  K6H 4Z1

kcooper@riverinstitute.ca
www.riverinstitute.ca
(613) 936-6620 (ext.229)