Soak up the sun, Kahnawake!
The summer vibes were in full swing at the Kahnawake Youth Center’s Motion Commotion event last week, just one of many fun events on this year’s calendar. Tyler Curotte The Eastern Door
Avoid the June Gloom this summer by gearing up for upcoming events in Kahnawake and nearby communities.
From Kahnawà:ke Shakotiia’takéhnhas Community Services (KSCS)’s Strongman event to Thrifting the Night Away’s Vend the Bend, Kahnawake has events happening both in and around the community this upcoming summer spanning various interests, lifestyles and activities, with many of them being free to attend.
Strawberry Fest
Kahnawake Tourism is set to host its annual Strawberry Fest, which takes place throughout the month of June, featuring special strawberry creations at community-owned restaurants, such as the Kahnawake Brewing Company, Boba Delight, Screaming Chef Cuisine, and Rooster Express 138, among others.
On June 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the organization is hosting its Strawberry Fest event, which features various vendors, foods, crafts, and a car show.
“We get a lot of people asking questions about wanting to take part in cultural activities in the community,” said Bronwyn Kawenahawe Johns, public relations officer at Kahnawake Tourism. “So, this gives them an opportunity to have a few cultural activities to get people hands-on learning about different things from our culture by hosting these events throughout the year. It really is a bridge to education as well as enjoying the day together and celebrating these different gifts from Mother Nature.”
In the past, attendees of the Strawberry festival had the opportunity to make their own Strawberry Juice.
“Strawberries are a vital part of our cycle of life,” said Johns.
This year sparks a change, as Kahnawake Tourism has partnered with KSCS to host Strawberry Fest alongside the annual car show. They are also hosting a smoke dance competition where Onkwehón:we will have the opportunity to compete against one another, showcase their skills, and win prizes.
Old Port
Coinciding with the summer solstice, the National Indigenous Peoples Day Civic ceremony will be held at the Old Port in Tiohtià:ke on Sunday, June 21, at 11:30 a.m.
The event is set to take place in front of the Montreal Science Centre, and it will feature speeches, traditional songs and drumming by Kanien’kehá:ka elders, and more.
Afterwards, organizers plan for a festive procession to visit the Pointe a Calliere Museum, where the original treaty of the Great Peace of Montreal of 1701 will be viewed.
Powwow
Kahnawake’s Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow-Wow is scheduled to take place from July 12-13, with a community social taking place on July 11. This annual event is an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and celebrate many Onkwehón:we heritages. Whether it be through powwow dancing or buying delicious food, the powwow has something for everyone.
Vend the Bend
Thrifting the Night Away’s Vend the Bend will take place three times over the duration of the summer, with the next one set to take place on June 27, followed by another in late July and again in August.
“The purpose of this event is to help uplift other small businesses and gather community in a positive way,” said Lacey Lazare, co-owner and curator of Thrifting the Night Away as well as the host of the Vend the Bend event.
Vend the Bend began in 2023 as a farmers’ market, allowing artists to display and sell their artwork. In the past, they’ve held book fairs, bakeries, and had people selling their home-grown vegetables and beadwork.
“We wanted to host a positive event in our community during the summer months and give people opportunities to showcase their small businesses,” said Lazare.
Corn Food Fest
The Corn Food Fest, which is also hosted by Kahnawake Tourism, is set to take place on August 27. While the Corn Food Fest lasts the duration of August, the event that day is an opportunity for the community to celebrate the historical importance that corn has had in the community, try different foods, and take part in corn husk doll making.
Strongman
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KSCS’s Strongman competition is set to take place at Orville Standup Park on August 29.
The event is open for Onkwehón:we aged 16 and older to participate in a friendly competition that aims to showcase their speed and physical strength. Men and women will have the opportunity to show off their stamina and weight-training skills.
And if these events don’t pique your interest, you could always go for a bike ride along the island, take a swim in the quarry, or grab a coffee at Tota Ma’s.
Kahnawake has many hidden treasures for those willing to look, such as a journey to flat rocks or a game of golf at Mystic Pines.
