ORANGE SHIRT DAY IN AKWESASNE: A DAY OF STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Akwesasne came together under bright autumn skies to honor residential school survivors during Orange Shirt Day. Survivors, leaders, community members, youth, and local artists gathered at Generations Park in a spirit of unity and remembrance, creating a day filled with healing, cultural pride, and powerful moments of reflection.

Orange Shirt Day 2025 marked the first time the event was hosted together in partnership by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, and Akwesasronon Sonatanoron , a local non-profit led by survivors and their families. The organization’s proposal to Council inspired a community event to honor residential school survivors. Their guidance was central to planning the day in a way that honoured the strength, courage, and resilience of our survivors, while offering space for the community to come together in solidarity and healing.

The day began with a free orange shirt giveaway, featuring designs created entirely by local artists. Each shirt carried teachings, imagery, and stories that honoured our children, elders, and cultural survival.

From there, the community took part in a unity walk, beginning at Mill Street. With support from the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Board of Education’s Transportation Services, Seven Dancers Coalition and the Akwesasne Young Women’s Singing Group, Route 37 was transformed into a sea of orange. Together, Akwesasró:non reflected, sang, burned tobacco, and carried their good minds into the day.

The walk led into the Travis Solomon Lacrosse Box, where Akwesasne held its first official ceremony honoring residential school survivors. Survivor Billy Sunday opened the ceremony, followed by words from MCA Grand Chief Leonard Lazore, SRMT Sub-Chief Derrick King, Akwesasronon Sonatanoron Executive Director Rick Oakes, and members of Ionkwahronkha'onhátie', a grassroots Kanien’kéha language group that expressed gratitude to survivors who continue to guide language revitalization efforts. An honor song, led by Keena King and community singers, filled the space as survivors were gifted quilts by Renee Adams, as well as baskets lovingly made by Shirley Thompson, Denise Jock, and Judy Cole. The gifts were presented to the survivors by Akwesasró:non youth, symbolizing the connection between generations.

The day continued with presentations by Marjorie Skidders and Phillip White-Cree, whose discussions grounded the event in culture and healing. Akwesasne’s Youth Hoop Troupe and Ahkwesahsne Ratirennenhawi (Akwesasne Men’s Singers) brought energy and spirit through dance and song. Attendees enjoyed a Three Sisters sit-down meal along with a variety of refreshments from local food and drink vendors, who provided delicious and nutritious options for the community. Meanwhile, interactive activities and teachings showcased the depth of knowledge, artistry, and spirit within our community. Niawenhkó:wa to everyone who shared their skills and teachings — from the artists, to organizations showcasing their programs, to those offering healing services at the SRMT Senior Center — for creating important spaces for connection, culture, learning, and wellness.

To close the day, laughter and joy rang out as Seven Dancers Coalition and MCA’s Traditional Medicines program hosted a spirited medicine game, reminding us of the strength of our people and the healing power of coming together.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne extends its deepest gratitude to all survivors, speakers, artisans, youth, volunteers, and partners who made this day possible. Orange Shirt Day in Akwesasne was good medicine — a gathering that honoured the children who never came home, celebrated the resilience of survivors, and strengthened our path forward together.

Every Child Matters. 🧡