A BERRY GOOD TIME: STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL CELEBRATES CULTURE, COMMUNITY & KEN’NIIOHONTÉHSHA 2025
The scent of ken’niiohontéhsha (strawberries) filled the air in and around the Kana:takon Recreation Center as the AMBE Mohawk Language & Culture Program hosted its first Strawberry Festival — a celebration rooted in tradition, community, and creativity.
Held on June 17, the event welcomed community members of all ages to enjoy a day of strawberry-themed activities, games, crafts, and teachings. From laughter-filled trivia and sweet bingo to hands-on stations like rock painting, sugar scrub making, and watercolor art, the festival offered opportunities for learning, connection, and fun.
Families explored stations like “What’s Your Berry Name?” and a strawberry hunt, while games like cornhole and tic-tac-toe toss added to the festive atmosphere. Local vendors — including Vicky Ransom, Robin Lazore, Lexis Jacobs, Carrie Thompson (Beaded by Hente), and Crystal Lazore — brought added warmth and artistry to the space, showcasing handmade goods and supporting community connection.
The Strawberry Festival wasn’t just a celebration of the season — it was a moment to honour the cultural teachings of Ken’niiohontéhsha, the berry of first fruits. Guests were invited to reflect on the deeper meanings of gratitude and renewal shared in the day’s opening greeting:
Teiethinonhwará:tons ne Ken’niiohontéhsha.
Iotshennónnia’t káti wáhe tsi shé:kon tewatkáhthos tánon tsi shé:kon enwá:ton aétewatste ne aetewanonhkwatsherónnia’te, Ionkwaia’takéhnhas tánon ionkwaia’tahnirà:tha. Ne enwá:ton ò:ni aéteweke tánon aetewahnekì:ra tsi nén:we. Ne á:re tentsiethinonhwará:ton ne ken’niiohontéhsha. Eh káti niióhton ne onkwa’nikòn:ra.
Ta’ne tho.
(Find more Kanien’kéha phrases on the AMBE Mohawk Language & Culture Facebook page.)
Nia:wen to everyone who attended, supported, and helped bring the Strawberry Festival to life. Events like this remind us of the strength of our community and the importance of coming together to celebrate who we are.
