The Akwesasne Freedom School

Join us for celebration of and fundraiser for The Akwesasne Freedom School (Kanienʼkehá꞉ka, Mohawk Nation), featuring grammy-winning singer-songwriter Valerie June, music by Theresa “Bear” Fox, Kontiwennenha:wi (Akwesasne Women Singers) and special guests Jennifer Kreisberg (ULALI), elder Tom Porter (Sakokwenionkwas), Semiah Smith (Kanienʼkehá꞉ka / Mohawk), and youth from the Akwesasne Freedom School performing Smoke and Hoop dances. Artists from Akwesasne will also have works for sale. A wonderful opportunity to experience and support Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) community.

The Akwesasne Freedom School (AFS) emerged as a center of Mohawk cultural resurgence in 1979 and continues to play a critical role in revitalizing the rich and diverse language and culture within the community of Akwesasne. It is a model of self-determination and best practices in language and cultural revitalization. AFS provides Mohawk immersion education, beginning each day with the Thanksgiving address, which forms the foundation of their culturally-rooted curriculum. This event will raise money and awareness for the school and celebrate local Indigeneity through Mohawk music, storytelling, and dance. A new school is being built and funds are needed for completion.

To learn more about the school and get involved, visit https://www.foafs.org or www.underwaterpanther.com.

Underwater Panther Coalition (UPC) is committed to representing and amplifying Indigenous musical ontologies in contemporary contexts. UPC actively supports Indigenous communities and artists while seeking to improve and restore people’s relationships to all of life through Indigenous musical practices. We are focused on restoring the central role of music for maintaining balance, resilience, and cultural thriving in harmony with Mother Earth.

FEATURING:
VALERIE JUNE Hockett is a Grammy-nominated artist from Tennessee. She’s been hailed by the New York Times as one of America’s “most intriguing, fully formed new talents.” A musician, singer, songwriter, poet, illustrator, actor, certified yoga and mindfulness meditation instructor, and author, she honorably served as a Turnaround artist working with students for the President’s Committee for the Arts and Humanities and continues serving through The Kennedy Center.

Kontiwennenha:wi (Akwesasne Women Singers) Kontiwennenhawi was founded to celebrate, protect and preserve the Kanienkeha (Mohawk language), as well as the traditional Mohawk customs and stories, including oral traditions that are passed down from grandmother to granddaughter. It was founded on the belief that the easiest way to pass on the language and culture is through songs. Theresa Bear Fox explains, “In the beginning, I began writing in Kanienkeha (the Mohawk Language) for our women’s group, called Kontiwennenhawi, which translates to ‘Carriers of the Words’. Our language is struggling to survive right now, so it is important to me to put our language into the songs. Many children in the local schools are beginning to sing our songs. I have been writing songs for almost 20 years now, and it makes me very proud to know that in a small way, our women’s group and I are contributing to the survival of our language.” At various stages of their lives, the singers take time out of their personal and professional lives to assist their community whenever possible. Aside from singing Haudenosaunee social songs, they work with elders and fluent speakers from Akwasasne to ensure the correct usage, pronunciation and spelling of words. The songs contain messages that they believe are important for the Mohawk people to know and remember, songs that honor the Elders, the Teachers, Mother Earth, Grandmother Moon, and the Great Law of Peace. They are committed to continuing the traditions of their ancestors and preserving their language and customs through their songs.

TOM PORTER: (Sakokwenionkwas-“The One Who Wins”) Is a Mohawk leader and spiritual elder. He is a member of the Bear Clan of the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne. He was the director of and, a teacher at the Akwesasne Freedom School and taught at the Kahnawake Survival School. He taught Mohawk language, philosophy and history at both schools as well as carpentry at Kahnawake. Tom worked as Secretary for the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs for 8 years and as interpreter for 11 years. Mr. Porter organized the “White Roots of Peace”, a traveling multi-media communications group designed to revitalize Native traditions and beliefs in North America. He has published and lectured extensively on the value of Mohawk and Indigenous ways.

SEMIAH SMITH’s artistic journey began with an early passion for music, where she not only immersed herself in piano and singing lessons but also graced international stages with her dance performances during childhood. After delving into the traditional songs of her community and reigniting her fervor for music. Semiah boldly embraced experimentation with contemporary production and mainstream writing styles in her late teens. Her diverse array of experiences has endowed her with a unique outlook on the world, evident in the vibrant tapestry of cultural influences intricately woven into her compositions. Semiah’s songs, resonating with themes of love, fear, resilience, and recklessness, stand as a melodic chronicle of an artist whose perspective has been enriched by a multitude of global encounters and profound reflection.

What to expect when attending an event at Opus 40:

-Entry is at 356 George Sickle Rd, Saugerties, NY

-COVID Policy: we are an entirely outdoor / open air venue, and we do not require masking at events. Occasionally, events are moved indoors due to weather, in those cases if you do not feel comfortable being indoors we will offer a full refund.

-No Pets (sorry, we love animals!)

-All Events are All Ages unless noted otherwise. Children under 5 are free. Please be considerate that this is a concert and not a playground, and that all children under 16 must be with guardian on the sculpture. See Children Safety Rules for more

-Concerts may be canceled if there are sustained heavy rain storms. All ticket buyers will get an email and full refunds. Updates will be on our facebook + instagram as well

-Bring a chair / picnic blanket. We also have a limited number of wooden folding chairs and picnic tables on site.

-No Outside Food or Alcoholic Beverages. Outside snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are OK (small coolers only). Every show has 1-2 food local vendors onsite as well as cocktails/beer/wine at the Stockade Tavern barcart. Water/Drinks, Snacks and more available in the gift shop.

-The Sculpture typically closes when music begins or at Sunset. We encourage you to come early (at Gates Time) and explore the grounds!

-ADA parking is available (follows signage) and Carpooling is always encouraged!

Enjoy the show and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions: info@opus40.org or visit our FAQs page