The Mohawks have been losing their language, culture and identity for many years. The Akwesasne Freedom School was formed to help make the Nation strong again by focusing on the young people. "The children are the backbone of the nation" is a common Mohawk saying. Their survival depends on their ability to preserve old ways and cope with the new. The school is a reversal of the assimilation process.
The prophecies say that the time will come when the grandchildren will speak to the whole world. The reason for the Akwesasne Freedom School is so the grandchildren will have something significant to say. -Sakokwenionkwas (Tom Porter), Mohawk Chief
Language is the key to preserving the culture. Chief Tom Porter estimates that 90 percent of adults over forty-five are fluent in Mohawk, yet only five percent of teenagers and one percent of preschoolers now speak Mohawk as a primary language. The Akwesasne Freedom School is fighting to reverse these statistics through its language immersion program.
It is very important that we learn our culture and ceremonies. Without this we wouldn’t be where we are today. We would be just as destructive to our environment as to other societies. We give thanks to the foods, trees, grasses, water and everything that gives us strength to survive. We shall always continue to keep our ceremonies because if we do not, we will eventually take advantage of the Creator’s great gifts to us. -Katsitsiakwas, Freedom School Graduate
Mohawk Leaders not only serve their communities, but travel the globe bringing the message of the peacemaker: we must all live in harmony with one another and with all living things and the influence of each action must be considered for seven generations of unborn children. Through Mohawk language and ceremony, the Akwesasne Freedom School strives to develop traditional leaders and future ambassadors.