MCA Environment Program

FAMILY CAMPING IN THE THOUSAND ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
The MCA Environment Program invites Akwesasró:non families to enjoy a few days together in the great outdoors during a special family camping trip this September in the Thousand Islands National Park!

Take a break from the everyday and reconnect with nature while enjoying time with family and community. The trip will include campfire cooking, fishing, nature art, and a Cultural Symposium featuring workshops and guest speakers.

📅 When: September 8-10, 2026
📍 Where: Mallorytown Landing — ‘Otentiks’

Lodging and meals are complimentary, and families of all ages are welcome to attend!

Space is limited, so don’t miss out! Register by September 2 using the link below:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/g6uKX13cTD?origin=lprLink

For questions or more information, please email [email protected].

2026 KIAWERÓN:KO SYMPOSIUM: REGISTER TODAY
Community members are welcome to join us at the Kiawerón:ko (American Eel) Twakia’taró:roks (Gathering) from August 10-12, 2026 at the DEV Centre in Cornwall, ON.

This three-day symposium will bring together indigenous representatives, researchers, conservation organizations, government agencies, industry and community leaders to discuss the conservation, protection, and long-term recovery of the Kiawerón:ko.

Monday, August 10 will focus on Indigenous peoples and allies, creating space to discuss our shared responsibility and approach to protecting Kiawerón:ko. August 11-12 will focus on collaborative actions and long-term strategies to address conservation priorities and support the species’ recovery.

Community members are invited to attend one or all three days.

Only 20 spots are available. Don’t miss out, grab your spot today by registering through the link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/2026-kiaweronko-american-eel-symposium-2.

CALL OUT: ARTISANS, KNOWLEDGE HOLDERS & TRADITIONAL SKILLS DEMONSTRATORS
The MCA Environment Program is seeking artisans, traditional skills practitioners, knowledge holders, and teachers to provide an interactive cultural demonstration during the upcoming Cultural Symposium at Thousand Islands National Park (Mallorytown Landing) on September 9, 2026.

Individuals with knowledge and experience in traditional crafts or cultural practices that incorporate natural elements are encouraged to apply. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, fish scale art, textiles, natural dyes, black ash creations, sweetgrass braiding, and other nature-based practices. Your demonstration does not need to provide for each attendee, rather you are able to set up, explain the process or provide a storytelling element to inform participants about your craft or the cultural importance behind it.

The selected artisan will provide a hands-on demonstration and engage with attendees by answering questions about their craft or practice while sharing the history and cultural significance.

📅 Date: September 9, 2026
🕒 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Artisan setup at 8:00 a.m.)
📍 Location: Thousand Islands National Park (Mallorytown Landing)
💲 Compensation: Honorarium and Lunch provided
❗ Need to Know: Allergies

This event is hosted in partnership with Thousand Islands National Park – Parks Canada, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) Environment and Conservation Program, Akwesasne Rights & Research Office (ARRO), and sponsored by Trans-Northern Pipelines.

For more information or to express interest, please contact [email protected] or [email protected] by August 14, 2026.

Join us tomorrow night!

Mark your calendar! 📆 You're invited to join the River Institute at the Cooper Marsh Visitor's Centre for a Wetland Celebration Night!🌿🐸🎊

This event will include awards for the winners of River Institute's wetland art contest, storytelling about observed wetland change, guided walks and demos on how to use community science tools, art workshops, and more!

📆Thursday, August 6th
⏰5pm-7pm
📍Cooper Marsh Visitors Centre
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Free, family-friendly event

🎁All attendees will be entered into a draw to WIN a stand up paddle board!

📢Plastic-Free July has officially come to an end! Congratulations to Samantha Green for winning the last week's prize!🎉

💚A big thank you to everyone who has participated throughout this campaign. We encourage you to keep living that plastic-free lifestyle as best you can! Every little bit counts!

Keep an eye out for future campaigns and activities on our page!

Samantha Green please contact Jayden Smoke or Tsiakoseriio David by email to coordinate a pick up.

INTERESTED IN YOUR SOIL HEALTH? SIGN UP FOR SOIL TESTING
The MCA Environment Program is seeking interested Akwesasró:non with garden or farm plots in the northern portion of the territory who would like to learn more about their soil health.

Soil samples will be tested for metals including mercury, as well as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Availability is limited and participation will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once all available spots have been filled, an ongoing list of interested participants will be maintained and we encourage those interested to continue to reach out.

To sign up or for more information, please contact Robert Sawatis at 613-575-2250 ext. 1045 or [email protected]

To learn more about historical contamination, visit the St. Lawrence RAP website: stlawrenceriverrap.ca.

This initiative is funded through First Nations Child and Family Services.

Seeking an Akwesasró:non storyteller for our upcoming turtle release event in August! 🐢

SEEKING AKWESASRÓ:NON STORYTELLER FOR TURTLE RELEASE
The MCA Environment Program is looking for a community member who would like to share stories or songs about turtles during an upcoming turtle release event with Elders and youth.

📍 Location: Tsi Snaihne, QC
📅 Date: August 2026 (TBD)
💲 Honoraria provided
⏰ Deadline to express interest: August 10, 2026

Share your stories. Share your songs. Share your knowledge.
For more information, please email [email protected].