Stories by Alexander Perez

Alexander Perez The Eastern Door This past Tuesday marked the opening game of the Kahnawake Mixed Softball League (KMSL). But it wasn’t the athletes nor the sport that took centre stage.

(Courtesy Roberta Duhaime) Mary Paul described her recent birthday celebration as “unforgettable.” Last Sunday, June 14, Paul joined the centenarian club.

(Marisela Amador The Eastern Door) The decision to open up Kahnawake to non-residents has left some community members questioning their safety.

(Courtesy T. Sansregret)  After discussions with the COVID-19 Task Force, Leanne Poissant from Poissant and Deer funeral home, agreed to temporarily shut down their branch in Kahnawake in order to prevent spreading of the virus.  For now, they have directed all appointments to their branch in St. Constant, according to Poissant.  “We talked with the Task Force in Kahnawake, and because we are not residents, we only have a building, they don’t want us to come and go.

Every second day, George Gogoris drives up to his restaurant. He arrives at around 11:00 a.m., but there’s no sound of staff talking among themselves, no meat simmering on the grill, or the chatter of customers as they wait for their meals at Robbie’s Smokehouse and Burger Bar.

 (Courtesy Alexander Perez) For Teiotsatonteh Diabo, the 2020 Greater Montreal Athletic Association Championships was her chance at redemption. After coming up short in the 2019 finals with silver, Diabo wrestled her way to a gold medal in the 125 KG weight class, signing off her last GMAAs with Kahnawake Survival School as champion.  “To come back this year and to win gold for my last year, it was an amazing feeling,” said Diabo.

 (Courtesy Alexander Perez) After pinning his opponent, Owen Diabo walked out of the gym with his mom, Kim. Struggling to catch his breath, Diabo reached for his Gatorade, which he heartily chugged.