The Opening Address

FESTIVAL PREMIERE

DOC SHORT | USA | 10 MINUTES | Mohawk

Directors: Jess Lowe Chaverri, Konwanahktotha Alvera Sargent

This film is presented by The Akwesasne Freedom School, a sovereign Mohawk immersion institution, which is dedicated to preserving and passing down the language and culture that colonization tried to erase. Through the wisdom of elders, they’re building a future where the Mohawk language and identity thrive, ensuring that generations to come will have a profound connection to their heritage.

Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen (The Thanksgiving Address or The Opening Address) is a message for the world, reminding us to walk gently on the Earth and live in reciprocity with one another. What we do to one part of the web of life, we do to ourselves.

CAST & CREDITS

Director

Jess Lowe Chaverri, Konwanahktotha Alvera Sargent

DIRECTORS BIO

Konwanahktotha Alvera Sargent (Snipe clan member of the Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne) is a mother, grandmother and the Executive Director of the Friends of the Akwesasne Freedom School as well as former manager of the Akwesasne Freedom School, an independent school that has immersed its students in the Mohawk language and culture for the past 41 years.

She is passionate about Mohawk language and culture and strongly believes that all Indigenous languages are the key to the survival of Onkwehonwe (First Peoples) and their identities. She serves on several local and national Native American organization boards and advisory committees.

DIRECTORS STATEMENT

My vision for the film was to have speakers go from the eldest to the youngest. The elder speakers are first language speakers, those under 40 are second language speakers who have completed language programs and are continuing to learn to speak. The AFS students from the 8th down to the 1st grades are learning and speaking their language each day!