GOOD MEDICINE & MEMORIES: ACFS HOSTS A DAY FOR DADS

On June 14, 2025, Akwesasne Child & Family Services was honored to host a special Father’s Day gathering filled with spirit, culture, and connection. The day featured traditional lacrosse teachings, followed by a meaningful Father and Son Medicine Game — a celebration of family, tradition, and wellness through sport.

 

A heartfelt niawenhkó:wa goes out to our esteemed Traditional Knowledge Holders, Mike Mitchell and Richard Mitchell, for their powerful tobacco burning ceremony and their invaluable presentation on the traditional knowledge and history of lacrosse. Your teachings continue to guide and inspire our community.

 

We also want to thank Chad Thompson and Nathan Thompson from the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service for organizing the Father and Son Medicine Game and for your encouraging words that lifted spirits and brought generations together on the field.

 

As a token of appreciation, our Traditional Knowledge Holders were gifted pack baskets handcrafted by Gary Thompson, along with gift certificates for ribbon shirts made by Marlana Thompson Baker of Okwaho Creations. Nia:wen/Thank you to Island Girls Catering for the delicious corn soup, fried bread and strawberry drink.

 

Immediately following the lacrosse game, the ACFS Community Support Unit hosted its annual “Bubba-Q,” in collaboration with the Akwesasne Zero 2 Six Program. This Father’s Day activity featured a catered cook-out and a lesson on how to braid hair. Nia:wen to Tisha Thompson for leading the lesson, as well as Darius and Tesia White for catering the Bubba-Q!

 

Niawenhkó:wa to all who participated and supported this meaningful Father’s Day celebration. Together, we continue to honor our traditions and strengthen our families!