As principal of Kana:takon School for the past six years, I have many reasons to be proud. Our students are learning to be fluent in Mohawk and English; integrating aspects the Native culture into their everyday life. They participate in traditional activities such as dancing, lacrosse, and beadwork, but also excel in volleyball, floor hockey, and public speaking.
Our teachers are proponents of lifelong learning and are constantly upgrading themselves. Their specialties include: Special Education, Reading, Science Education, and Native as a Second Language. Native and non-Native teachers alike generously give of their time to participate in extra-curricular activities.
Our proximity to the St. Lawrence River promotes an awareness of environmental concerns. The Mohawk culture encourages people to think of the seven generations that will follow us. Because of this thinking, we discourage the use of disposable products in the school (i.e. cups, plates, utensils). We recycle our paper and contribute to composting.
People sometimes ask if it's different teaching Native children. To those who ask I reply that our students have the same needs as all children in the world and that forms the basis of our teaching.
Welcome to Kana:takon School.
Louise Pritchard