Strong Roots Charitable Foundation

News

Round Up Change Makes An Impact for AMHA and NFHA

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We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our incredible community for your generosity and support through our round-up campaign at the registers held at Twinleaf Stores and Smoker’s Warehouse in support of the Strong Roots Charitable Foundation.

Because of your willingness to give—even in small amounts—we are proud to share that together we raised a total of $8,000. These funds have been equally distributed, with $4,000 donated to North Franklin Minor Hockey Association and $4,000 to the Akwesasne Minor Hockey Association.

These contributions help ease the financial burden for local families and organizations by supporting costs associated with the sport—such as ice time, equipment, and program expenses—making it more accessible for youth to get on the ice and stay involved.

Your support directly fuels youth development, teamwork, and opportunities for young athletes in our communities. It’s a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness truly add up to make a meaningful impact. From all of us, thank you for helping us give back and strengthen the roots of our community. Keep making a difference with your change.

Left Group Photo: Akwesasne Wolves 11U                                  Right Group Photo: North Franklin Shamrocks 6U/8U

Cornwall Island Lacrosse Box: A New Home for the Creator’s Game

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The community also celebrated another milestone: the completion of the long-awaited lacrosse box on Cornwall Island. Initiated in 2018, this project represents years of dedication and perseverance, further showcasing Akwesasne’s commitment to fostering spaces where culture, sport, and community come together.


Projects Like This Are Made Possible Through the Generosity of Donors Who Believe in the Power of Community

Every donation to Strong Roots Charitable Foundation directly impacts our ability to support meaningful initiatives, like the construction of the new lacrosse box in Snye. Your generosity helps us preserve cultural traditions, create safe spaces for youth, and promote community-driven projects that make Akwesasne stronger. With your support, we can continue building opportunities for the future while honoring the legacy of our shared heritage.

 

 

Celebrating Heritage: The Grand Opening of the Lacrosse Box in Tsi:Snaihne

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The grand opening event was a joyous occasion, attended by community members, local dignitaries, and representatives from Strong Roots.

In a celebration of culture, community, and athleticism, the Akwesasne Mohawk Community recently marked the grand opening of a new lacrosse box in the district of Snye. Built with support from the Strong Roots Charitable Foundation, this modern facility reflects the community’s deep commitment to honoring and continuing the tradition of lacrosse, or “Tewaaraton” — The Creator’s Game.

The lacrosse box, a vital addition to the community, is more than just a venue for sports; it is a cultural cornerstone. The game of lacrosse holds deep historical significance for the Haudenosaunee. It is viewed not only as a sport but as a gift from the creator to honor our elders and community.

The project came to fruition through a $100,000 donation from the Strong Roots Charitable Foundation, an organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for Akwesasne residents. The foundation, steered by a board of local entrepreneurs and community members, has been pivotal in creating economic and cultural development within the region. This lacrosse box project is part of their ongoing efforts to support community-based initiatives that provide safe, drug-free environments for youth.

The construction of the lacrosse box was a collaborative effort. Funding for the cement slab was sourced from Strong Roots and the Quebec Government, while the construction was executed by AEM and Toby Roundpoint Construction. Additional amenities, such as lighting, were supported by community fundraising and donations. This facility further strengthens Strong Roots commitment to creating spaces where tradition and modernity intersect, offering more opportunities for youth to engage in the sport that is integral to their heritage.
The new lacrosse box is more than just a sports facility; it’s a space where Akwesasne youth can connect with their heritage and develop their skills in the game that has deep roots in their culture. As the community comes together to celebrate its opening, they also recognize lacrosse’s lasting role in bringing people together and preserving tradition.

Open House: Decolonizing the family, one tiny home at a time

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by Olivia Heffernan

When I talked about family structures with Beauvais, I heard something similar. Describing her efforts on Akwesasne, she says, “This is about family. We are creating a system of family, not an institutional program. We are giving people roles and responsibilities as family members of a community.” While families come in many forms, she is steadfast in her belief that family and kinship are essential to a community’s self-sustenance and sovereignty. It’s what gives her hope when standing up to a history of exploitation.

Read the entire article here.

The Desert Dogs are Building Bridges to the Native American Community

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A quote from the NLL article by Jon Rapoport:

The Desert Dogs will host “Indigenous Heritage Night” on February 4, when the defending champion Colorado Mammoth visit Michelob ULTRA Arena. The event will include performances from groups presented in consultation with Native American tribes of Nevada. In addition, complimentary tickets and transportation to the February 4 contest will be provided to Indigenous and Native communities, in coordination with the Strong Roots Charitable Foundation.

Separate from their relationship with the Desert Dogs, the Strong Roots Charitable Foundation has previously donated a permanent lacrosse box and 700 lacrosse sticks to the Iroquois National Development Program, of which some residents of the aforementioned Akwesasne community are a part of.