Kanesatake schools welcome Midwinter
Tehoronhiathe Martin Larente Jr. (left) and Kevin Nelson (right) drumming together at the social after the midwinter ceremony Rotiwennakéhte Elementary School on February 5, 2026. Hadassah Alencar The Pines Reporter
Students and staff from Ratihén:te High School and Rotiwennakéhte Elementary School celebrated Midwinter at the elementary school on Thursday, February 5.
The schools hold a Midwinter ceremony to make Kanien’kehá:ka culture more accessible to all students and staff, said Melissa McGregor, Rotiwennakéhte principal. Both local schools aim to increase local culture in the curriculum to strengthen the students and staff knowledge of traditional practices.
“I think that having a strong, strong foundation in your identity is so important,” said McGregor. “I think that that’s a great platform to help them grow and become better citizens and take on anything.”
In the front of the school, students gathered around staff of the Tsi Ronterihwanónhnha ne Kanien’kéha Language and Cultural Center (KLCC). The staff led the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen as students watched on, followed by the stirring of the ashes. Students of all ages and staff lined up to stir the ashes.
“When you have something like stirring of the ashes, you’re re-establishing that relationship with Mother Earth,” said Kevin Nelson of the KLCC.
Students who participate get to learn about traditional ways even if they do not attend the Longhouse, said Nelson.
Tehoronhiathe Martin Larente Jr., a high school student, said he enjoys learning about his culture so that he may keep the culture alive.
“I want to be able to learn so I could be able to teach it, if I ever have kids in the future, to them,” said Larente.
After the ceremony was lunch, where the older students already knew they were expected to help clean up, said Kimberly Simon, Ratihén:te principal.
Many of these students have participated in the Midwinter Ceremony at school for years, which has prepared them to learn and know how to lead in the ceremonies.
“They take that leadership role, and they know what’s expected of them,” said Simon. “Some of them are going to take the lead with the singing and the social.”
In the future, Melissa hopes to host a Midwinter Ceremony that includes the students’ parents at the school.
“That is something that we’re looking forward to in the future: How can we be more inclusive with the larger community and have our elders?” said McGregor.
In the afternoon, the students and staff had a social.
Children from the elementary school were encouraged to dance if they were comfortable, said McGregor. During the event, many young children joined in, with several hand in hand with high school students who were helping them learn the dance.
“We are seeing the children grow in confidence,” said McGregor.
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“Everyone comes together. We all have fun,” said Larente. “People, sing, people, dance. It’s a good spot to just be.”
Hadassah Alencar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
