ORANGE SHIRT DAY IN AKWESASNE: HONOURING STRENGTH & CELEBRATING COMMUNITY

On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Akwesasne came together for its second annual Orange Shirt Day gathering, bringing survivors, families, youth, leaders, and community members together in a spirit of remembrance, honour, and connection.

The day began with an honour walk along Church Street, as Akwesasró:non gathered together and made their way toward Generations Park. The walk offered an opportunity for community members to carry their good minds into the day while walking together in recognition of residential school survivors and those impacted by the residential school system.

Following the walk, the opening ceremony welcomed community members to Generations Park for a time of reflection and remembrance. The ceremony honoured Rick Oakes for his work supporting and advocating for Akwesasne’s residential school survivors. Oakes joined forces with local Elders to propose the idea of a community gathering dedicated to honouring survivors and recognizing their courage, strength, and resilience — qualities that continue to be carried forward through the generations of our community.

MCA and Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe leadership shared words with the community, along with Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale, as the gathering reflected on the importance of remembering the experiences of survivors and continuing to support one another as a community.

Following the opening ceremony, the Ahkwesáhsne Mohawk Board of Education’s Mohawk Language & Culture Program hosted a smoke dance competition. Young dancers filled the space with energy and spirit, offering a wonderful display of regalia, talent, and culture as community members gathered around to support and celebrate them. Their presence brought a joyful energy to the beginning of the day and was a meaningful reminder of the strength and vitality of our youth.

Throughout the day, community members had opportunities to connect, learn, reflect, and take part in a variety of cultural, wellness, and family activities. Under the Travis Solomon Memorial Lacrosse Box, local organizations and activity providers offered teachings, resources, healing services, and opportunities for community connection. These spaces highlighted the knowledge, skills, and care that continue to exist throughout Akwesasne.

The day concluded with a medicine game hosted by Seven Dancers Coalition and the ACFS Traditional Support Unit, bringing laughter, movement, and spirit to the gathering.

Orange Shirt Day in Akwesasne continues to be an opportunity to honour residential school survivors, remember the children who were impacted by the residential school system, and recognize the strength that has carried through generations. This year’s gathering reflected that strength through the voices of our leaders and Elders, the energy of our youth, the work of our community organizations, and the many Akwesasró:non who came together in support of one another.

Nia:wen to all of the survivors, families, speakers, youth, volunteers, organizations, cultural practitioners, activity providers, and community members who helped make this year’s gathering possible. Your presence, care, and continued commitment to one another are what make days like this meaningful.

Akwé:kon Ratiia’tanó:ron ne Ratiksa’okón:’a • Every Child Matters