Community fundraiser starts today
Courtesy Kawinónhshen Audrey “Minnie” Nelson Memorial Language Fundraiser Facebook page
Kanesatake’s festive wreath fundraiser is back again this year, but the raffle, which raises money for Kanesatake’s language revitalization efforts, bears a new name: the Kawinónhshen Audrey “Minnie” Nelson Memorial Language Fundraiser.
“We decided to name it after Minnie because of her dedication and all the work she has done for the language,” said Miranda Gabriel, a Tsi Ronterihwanónhnha ne Kanien’kéha Language and Cultural Center employee who is taking part in organizing the event.
“She worked many years for the Kanesatake culture centre, and she translated and wrote many of the resources. She was always so kind, and she was always smiling. Because of this, we wanted to honour her.”
Mohawk Gas Bar, owned by Maria Canatonquin, sponsored one of this year’s wreaths, which will have a luxury theme.
“I am always proud to sponsor the language program, especially ever since they’ve dedicated the fundraiser to my late auntie Minnie (Kawinónhshen). Translating and speaking Kanien’kéha was her passion. She never had enough work; she truly loved what she did,” said Canatonquin, adding that Nelson would often request more to do, showing her boundless energy for the language.
“Her life’s work is graciously appreciated by the community and will continue to help rebuild our language,” she said.
Community members can purchase a sheet of 12 tickets for $10, just like last year, and then distribute them amongst the wreaths as they see fit, with each wreath associated with a themed prize pack.
“We have great prizes,” said Gabriel. “This year, we will have a brand-new fridge and stove. Also a living room set, toy wreath, technology wreath, travel, and many more. And, of course, our grand prize of $10,000!”
This year the fundraiser will be held in a new location, the Gathering Place on Ahsennenhson, but the fundraiser also evolves in other ways as the years go on.
“This Christmas wreath event is in its fourth year now, and its prizes are always increasing in value,” Gabriel said.
“The local businesses are very generous and help with making it a huge success. We have a great bunch of volunteers that help, and we hope everyone can come to our event to see our hard work and see the beautiful prizes.”
The fundraiser is also raising money through half-and-half tickets. Other organizations will also be present at times, Gabriel noted. Ratihén:te High School students will be having a bake sale, Reviving Kanehsatà:ke Radio (RKR) 101.7 FM will be selling Chase the Ace tickets, and the Kanesatake Health Center will be there as part of toy bingo, according to Gabriel.
Canatonquin will be sure to drop by sometime this weekend to get her wreath tickets, and she’s sure she’s not the only one excited to participate.
“I think people look forward to this so much because when you’re waiting for your numbers to be pulled it’s almost like watching the Price Is Right, wishing you’d win the showcase showdown,” Canatonquin said.
The wreath fundraiser runs every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting today, November 28, until December 7. More information is available on the Kawinónhshen Audrey “Minnie” Nelson Memorial Language Fundraiser Facebook page.
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Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
