For more than an hour and a half, Kontiwennenhá:wi, or the Akwesasne Women Singers, sang to, danced with and taught students and other community members at St. Lawrence University last Friday. At this event organized by St. Lawrence University’s Native American Student Alliance and Performing Arts Collective, Kontiwennenhá:wi performed a wide variety of their songs, which was followed by a brief open Q&A session in Bloomer Auditorium.  

Originating in 1999, Kontiwennenhá:wi — which is translated to “Carriers of the Words” — is a singing women’s group from the Mohawk Nation in Akwesasne. The group is comprised of four members: Theresa Bear Fox, Katsitsionni Fox, Elizabeth Nanitcoke and Iawentas Nanticoke. These women are related not only by blood but also by their collective effort put in to create music despite having other full-time jobs.   

One of their main goals is to preserve and spread the Mohawk language and traditions through music. One member, Nanitcoke, described why this was so important at the end of their performance. “There was a time when we couldn’t use our language — our grandparents were taken away when they were children to residential schools,” she said. Nanitcoke explained it was a way in which to “assimilate the children, assimilate the native people. It was a hard time, and they were punished, they were tortured when they spoke their language,” she continued.   

Nanitcoke recalled seeing her own grandfather being “so brainwashed” after going to a residential school. “That’s why it’s so important that we’re trying to get our language back in schools,” she said.  

Even by just performing, Kontiwennenhá:wi are able to challenge common stereotypes placed upon Native Americans. “I feel it is important to share, too, so we respect each other’s cultures,” said Bear Fox during the Q&A. She recounted her college experience, in which one student said, “Wow, we learned that you had all just died,” after finding out Bear Fox was Native American. “It was just a big shock because there are still so many of us, and that was when I realized that we have to share more,” Bear Fox said.  

“This is why I like doing this [performing] — I want everyone to know we’re still here, that we’re still carrying on our traditions, we’re still carrying on our language and teachings,” she continued.  

During their performance, Kontiwennenhá:wi would provide background for each song before singing. These songs, frequently accompanied by the rhythmic beats of rattles and water drums, varied between English and Mohawk. And each song told a different story. For example, Bear Fox’s “Rich Girl” was about being wealthy — not in the material sense but in happiness and love — and was performed in all English. Then, they followed the song with the “Standing Quiver Dance,” which was a song sung before and after hunters went hunting to bring them good luck.  

In addition to the variety in types of songs, for every other song, they encouraged anyone from the audience to join them. During the interactive songs, the artists would first teach the participants a traditional dance that goes with the specific song. After everyone had the general steps down, members of Kontiwennenhá:wi would begin singing and playing instruments, as the audience danced with and around them. Most of the participants concentrated on learning the steps and songs with smiles on their faces.  

One audience member, Nick Tiedemann ‘25, participated in all the interactive songs. “It was a lot of fun,” he said. “I’m usually uncomfortable doing things like that, and I originally joined in just to be nice and participate. But I ended up genuinely enjoying it,” Tiedemann continued.   

Thanks to Kontiwennenhá:wi, students like Tiedemann were able to enjoy, as well as learn from these talented women. We hope to see Kontiwennenhá:wi at St. Lawrence again one day!