Kahnawake welcomes first baby

It’s only been 2025 for a few days, but it’s already going down as a year to remember for Iehwatsirine Reed and Joel Morris, who welcomed their baby girl into the world on January 3, marking Kahnawake’s first birth of the year.

“I was just speechless, everyone in the room was crying and I was just so shocked that she was finally here,” said Reed, who was surrounded by her family when she gave birth to baby Iakoterihontátie’ Willa Morris at Anna Laberge Hospital last Friday. “Everything went really, really well, and I was just so super happy.”

Reed had gotten up in the wee hours of the morning on the day of baby Iakoterihontátie’s birth and got a surprise when her water broke on the way to the restroom. Her due date wasn’t until January 9, but immediately contractions started, and Reed knew that she was ready to make her entrance.

It wasn’t long before both Joel and Reed’s families rushed to the hospital – but Reed had a long journey ahead of her, with her labour not coming to an end until 10:05 p.m. that night, when Iakoterihontátie’ was finally born at a healthy 7 lbs. 12 oz.

The proud parents and their newborn daughter made it home by midnight, where they’ve been soaking up every second of parenthood.

“Everything is just new and fresh, and getting to hang up things and seeing her smile and looks change every day is so exciting,” said Reed. “Sometimes she sleeps with her mouth open, or she snores and makes cute little faces.”

As a first-time mom, Reed is planning to potentially get involved in parenting activities in Kahnawake, such as the Ion’tstarónhtha breastfeeding support group, and she’s also planning to apply for a spot at the Iakwahwatsiratátie Language Nest, so that she can raise Iakoterihontátie’ to speak the language.

Joel, who is already a father to two twin boys, said it’s been special to meet his baby girl.

“There’s no words to describe it,” he said. “It’s a big transition from going to all boy stuff, all blue and green to pinks and purple, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

His mother, Susy Lawrence, said that baby Iakoterihontátie’ is so small and beautiful, and looks just like her mother, and Reed’s parents, Merit Cross and Dustin Reed, said that they’re “absolutely in love with this little beauty and so happy to finally meet her.”

Being supported by family made the birthing process much better, Iehwatsirine said, and it was important that her sisters Wahcawin Reed and Iotshatenawi Reed were part of her experience. They were both delighted to meet the newest member of their family.

“Seeing my niece for the first time had me so overwhelmed with love and happiness,” Wahcawin said. “I couldn’t be any more proud of my sister and brother-in-law for gifting us all with this beautiful baby girl in the new year.”

Iotshatenawi called baby Iakoterihontátie’ a “precious gift,” and agreed with her sister that the first look at her new niece led to a rush of emotion.

“I couldn’t help my tears from flowing when she let out her first cry. She’s a perfect little human being, and I’m so thankful she made her journey to this Earth safely,” she said.

For now, Iehwatsirine and Joel are looking forward to continuing to get to know their new baby, and perhaps to catching up on some sleep – that’s if little Iakoterihontátie’ allows it.

“We’re just getting to know her every day, and getting used to how life is going to be,” Reed said.

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