Kane takes the reins

For Emily Karihwenhá:wi Kane, community is what makes Kahnawake special. That’s why she’s excited to step into her new role as a community engagement specialist at the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) – a position that will see relationship building be made a priority for the organization.

“I consider myself someone that’s always involved in the community, in all aspects, and I just took the leap and applied. I wanted to do this challenge for myself, and also to see that positive change happen in the relationship between the MCK and the community,” Kane said.

“I want to be involved and share that positive outlook, because I know I can create that relationship.”

Kane comes to the role as the Kateri Memorial Foundation (KMF)’s former events coordinator, where she was responsible for planning a wealth of community events.

“I really got to be actively involved in the community in a positive way and get all that experience working for the foundation, and I think that really prepared me for this new career opportunity,” Kane said.

Through planning KMF events, Kane has had the opportunity to work with a range of community members, growing her connection to elders and youth alike. Making those personal connections has been special to her, something that dates back to her time as a teacher at Karonhianónhnha Tsi Ionterihwaienstáhkhwa.

“I consider myself an easily approachable person. You have to have the personality for the job, and that’s why I’m confident in taking this position,” she said.

Kane began her role in December and kicked things off by coordinating the turkey giveaway, which saw 500 turkeys given away to community members and the Kateri Food Basket.

“It’s really up my alley, just helping coordinate for the chiefs because everyone’s so busy, that’s the community engagement that’s been lacking I think,” Kane said. Kane added she’s open to hearing any ideas about how the MCK can better engage community members going forward, and her main goal is to improve communication between the organization and the average community member.

“It’s all open. It’s for the betterment of everything. I like collaboration, everyone’s opinions are respected, and I just like when everybody can give feedback, advice, or their opinion,” Kane said. “It helps us all work together, and that helps us to ensure that everything’s running properly.”

One of Kane’s first major initiatives will be organizing the return of MCK’s Winter Carnival, an event that has been on pause for some time. She’ll also be organizing the next Land Summit, another opportunity for community members to give feedback about MCK’s involvement in land projects.

“We’re going to be doing more community events and be more actively involved, as both MCK and the chiefs, in a lot of these events that come up,” Kane said. “We’re bringing back the community’s word and ensuring it’s heard.”

Kane said that she’s most excited to meet new people and get to know familiar faces better as part of her role.

“I love socializing, I just love being involved, and this position gives me that opportunity,” Kane said.

Kane’s role will be a part of the Public Relations Unit, and she said she already feels supported by the rest of the team, who have been showing her the ropes in her first few weeks.

“It’s good to see behind the scenes, and I have great support. I’m not intimidated because I have good guidance and mentorship,” Kane said.

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