AKWESASNE ORANGE SHIRT DAY 2025

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, and Akwesasronon Sonatanoron invite the community to join us for Orange Shirt Day on Tuesday, Seskehkó:wa/September 30, 2025 at Generations Park. 

The day will include a special recognition during the opening ceremony, honoring Akwesasne’s residential school survivors. Rain or shine, we will come together to acknowledge their courage, strength, and resilience, while supporting one another in remembrance and healing.

Schedule of Events

8:30 a.m. – Free Orange Shirt Giveaway | Generations Park
Pick up your shirt near the SRMT Seniors Center parking area before the event begins. Shirts come in a variety of sizes and feature designs created by local artists — a perfect way to show your support and solidarity.
  

10:00 a.m. – Community Walk | Mill Street ➝ Generations Park
The event officially begins with a Community Walk in honor and reflection of residential school survivors. Student athletes from Salmon River and Massena Central schools will also join, running from the directions of their respective schools to meet the community walk.

Walkers will gather first on the St. Regis River Bridge for a tobacco burning ceremony, bringing our thoughts and good minds together for a meaningful start to the day.

Safety & Travel Information:

• Route 37 will temporarily close at 9:50 a.m. from Mill Street to Margaret Terrance Memorial Way; the road will reopen shortly after the walkers pass.
• A shuttle bus will run at 9:30 a.m. from Generations Park to the starting location. Community members are encouraged to park at Generations Park and ride the shuttle.
• Plan your arrival with the temporary road closure in mind.
     

10:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremony | Travis Solomon Memorial Lacrosse Box
A special recognition of Akwesasne’s residential school survivors.
   

11:15 a.m. – Community Social | Practice Field
    

12:00 p.m. – Free Lunch | Lacrosse Box
Enjoy a traditional Three Sisters Meal by TLC Catering. Meals are available for the first 400 attendees, with additional snacks and refreshments provided throughout the day.
    

12:00 p.m. – Creation Story Cultural Presentation | Pavilion
    

1:00 p.m. – Medicine Game | Main Field
The Medicine Game celebrates lacrosse as a gift from the Creator — a sport with deep spiritual roots, played to generate positive energy, honor our ancestors, and strengthen community bonds. Athletes, families, and community members are encouraged to participate and witness this demonstration of cultural resilience and teamwork.
    

Activities & Demonstration | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Throughout the day, the Travis Solomon Memorial Lacrosse Box will host hands-on cultural demonstrations and creative activities for all ages, including:

• Beaded loom work & porcupine quill projects
• Sweetgrass bookmarks & medicine pouches
• Braided leather bracelets, basket weaving & corn husk dolls
• Tea blending, crystal healing & Reiki
• Kanien’kéha language stations, log pounding & painting
  …and much more!

Whether you are discovering traditional crafts, engaging in wellness practices, or simply enjoying the energy of the day, there is something for everyone to partake in and enjoy.

Let us come together in solidarity and remembrance, honoring the past, celebrating the strength of our people, and building a brighter future for generations to come.

Facebook Event: www.facebook.com/share/1Cnphk5J3w