Eastern Door Volume 6 Number 10

Volume 6 Number 10

April 4, 1997

KJETA Teaches Life Skills
By: Dan Cross

The Kahnawake Jobs Education Training Association's (KJETA) objectives are to guide students in the direction of employment with a future and assist them if their wish is to continue their education. At the same time, KJETA teaches them very important life skills to assist them in their quest to achieve prosperity.

KJETA's 30-week program is divided into two parts; 10 weeks in the classroom and 20 weeks of on-the-job training.

In the first part of the program, the day begins at 9:00 a.m. in the capable hands of Rhonda Ross, Coordinator of Job Search and Career Exploration, B.Ed., B.A.

Ross teaches students how to write a resume, prepares them for the many job interviews they will have to endure and assists the students in choosing their field of business they wish to enter. She also helps in choosing the path of education needed to reach their goals in life.

The afternoon session begins at 1:00 p.m. with Kelly Howarth BA guiding her students in personal development. Stress management, effective scheduling, assertiveness vs. aggressiveness, proper listening skills and other methods of dealing with the every day occurrences in one's personal and business life, are all taught in personal development.

The KJETA program provides several ways of aiding a student in choosing what he feels is right for him. Guest speakers regularly appear to inform students of their field of business and the training needed to enter such a field. Other guest speakers included a nutritionist, a Native court worker and a criminal lawyer, and representatives of the Kahnawake Economic Development Authority (KEDA). The criminal lawyer assisted the students with any legal questions they may have had. The KEDA representatives explained their role in the community and how the students can use KEDA to assist in developing their own business.

The program takes students on field trips to see different places of business in action. Some students often have the desire to enter a field of business without the slightest inkling of what that business entails. A field trip to this area of the business world might deter the student from going into something that is not right for him, or it just might confirm his desire for such. Either way, the student benefits.

Another aspect of the KJETA program are the assignment days, given so students may contact possible employers for training when the 20-week work stage of the program begins. At the same time, these assignments give students a chance to practice interview skills so they may learn by experience and gain a new sense of responsibility.

This particular program began in January for males between the ages of 21-30. However, another program has begun at the KJETA center, and is 10 weeks long in total. KJETA has several different programs and each one is specifically geared towards helping a different age group and/or gender reach their goals.

These types of courses can be found across Canada because of today's economic situation, (high unemployment and welfare levels, unstable job security). Many people want to improve their education and their futures but just don't know what options are open to them. Still, others have jobs and have had them for years, but feel they are in a dead end position and want to explore a different direction in life.

The KJETA program, and others like this, have proven to be 80 percent successful in their task of improving students' education, training and eventual occupations.

KJETA will be having an open house on Friday, April 25, to present themselves to the public and to answer any questions people might have. KJETA's job search center and classroom is located at Paul's Car Wash across from Audrey Bauersfeld's residence.

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Senior Lacrosse Update
By: Tom Dearhouse

It's not a good sign for a lacrosse team and its fans when practices are not well attended by players and morale is low. Something is not quite right. And it's evident that this is the case for the Kahnawake mens' senior lacrosse team.

Barry Alfred, head coach of the senior lacrosse team, has a hard time to pinpoint the reasons why. "It's hard to say, although I had foreseen this coming when the Ganienkeh Gunners were welcomed as an expansion team," said Alfred. He hinted that some players from Kahnawake are choosing to practice and play with Ganienkeh, The Gunners, with Eric McComber as player/coach, are the latest entry into the Iroquois Lacrosse Association bringing the league to a total of eight teams.

Alfred and McComber played lacrosse together for close to 20 years, but have since parted ways; call it irreconcilable differences. McComber stated that a possible reason for the low morale on the Kahnawake team could be found right at the top: the coach.

McComber referred to last year when he alleges that Kahnawake "bought" a medal by bringing in ten players from A teams of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League. Some of the Kahnawake players then had to sit on the bench as the pros took their place. From that incident some bad feelings arose from players who practiced all year but had to sit out for the President's Cup.

Donny Thomas has been president and general manager for the Kahnawake Mohawk team for close to 20 years. He sees poor attendance at practices nearly every year. "It's all volunteer, and you can't force anybody to come. When it comes close to the opening game, there's a good turnout," stated Thomas.

For that reason, Alfred is confident that he will field a team for the opening game May 3 against the Oneida Silverhawks. He admitted he has the number of players on paper at least, but would like the players to get into the gym for pre-season training. Three exhibition games are scheduled before the May 3 opener.

If the senior team hopes to do as well as last year, third place in its division nationwide, then Alfred says, "The guys have got to start coming around." Alfred mentioned he has his core players like Peter Paul, Bobbie Delaronde, Adam Rice, Jake Rice, Aaron Norton and Derek Stacey.

For Ganienkeh, McComber listed himself and his cousin Chuckie McComber, Evan and Jason Delaronde, and other new turnouts who are in their first or second year. He promised, "Everyone is welcome to my practice. I don't turn anybody away. If a player on another team wants to join Genienkeh, he has to follow the rules and get a release from his team."

With hard work in practice and different levels of talent, respect goes both ways from coach to players and back. One factor impacting on the senior teams is new blood. Some young lacrosse players, playing at the junior level, are leaning toward Ganienkeh for the chance of more playing time.

Alfred stressed that it was imperative to develop a feeder system with the recent return of a junior lacrosse team to Kahnawake. League rules allow each community to develop such a system to ensure a supply of players at the senior level.

"That was my impression, that a junior team would supply the senior team with players." Alfred said. "We have Atom, Pee Wee and Juniors, so it's like grooming players to play for the Seniors." Alfred plans to meet with Junior coach Spencer Stacey soon to make an arrangement. This junior team is scheduled to play exhibition games only.

McComber feels there is room for two senior teams drawing players from Kahnawake. A longtime supporter of the game, McComber feels that if one team should collapse, then it would be a loss for Lacrosse.

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ABC's of obtaining a permit

By: Dan Cross

The Kahnawake Alcoholic Beverages Control Board (ABC), recently released a list of Kahnawake establishments that have been granted an ABC Intoxicant Permit. Also on the list were establishments refused, pending, or never applied.

The establishments that were granted permits are as follows: Burton's Driving Range, Mohawk Hills Golf Range, Caughnawaga Golf Club, Lafleur's Golf Club, Penalty Box 138, Kahnawake Sports Complex, Country Gas 138, La Cucina Restaurant and Club Rez 207.

The only establishment that was refused an ABC Intoxicant Permit was Eagle Eye Batting Cage, because of where the alcohol would be sold, in relation to the closeness of the children who frequent the establishment for recreation purposes. Another reason was a question of fire safety regulations.

Pending applications include, Hole in the Wall Cigarettes, First Choice Cigarettes, and Mel's.

Peter Jacobs, co-owner of Mel's, says he was the first person to apply for a wholesale permit.

"They told nobody was being given a wholesale permit. Then all of a sudden, Club Rez got one," said Jacobs. He also said the ABC board told him, in order to receive an ABC permit, he would have to relinquish his provincial permit.

However, according to Jacobs, Club Rez was given an ABC permit and they still have a provincial permit. Jacobs continued by stating there was nothing in the ABC law stipulating an establishment must turn in their provincial permit to receive an ABC permit.

"Are they making this law up as they go along to suit their own purposes? Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against Byron Horne or Club Rez, or Alwyn Morris. But if they are going to create a law like this, then it should apply to everyone the same way," said Jacobs.

When asked if he will stop selling beer, if refused an ABC permit, he said no. According to Jacobs, he'll still be able to use his provincial permit and if the Peacekeepers try to shut him down, he can sue the Peacekeepers.

Louis Robertson, who owns the Hole in the Wall cigarette store, says he also applied for a permit as soon as the law on alcoholic beverages was enacted. According to the recent issue of Onkwarihwa'shon:'a, he is still waiting.

His intentions are to sell liquor only, as he has since 1990. He says 90 percent of his customers who buy the liquor are from outside the community. He has no intention of selling beer or having people sit down in the establishment to have a drink.

In an interview with Alwyn Morris, chairperson of the ABC board, some of the things the board looks at when determining who receives a permit and who doesn't, were explained.

All establishments applying for a permit must follow guidelines and meet regulations set by the Kahnawake Communal Law on Alcoholic Beverages, enacted November 27, 1995.

The location of the establishment, what the parking situation is for the establishment, do children have access to the place?, and fire code regulations are all taken into consideration when granting or revoking a permit.

Another consideration in regards to granting or revoking a permit, is the type of establishment submitting the request. There are 8 different classes of permits. They are: restaurant, bar, retail, grocery, social organization, wholesale, manufacture, and occasional.

Also, the community must be informed of who is applying for a permit. If the consensus of the community is negative concerning a certain establishment that is something that must be addressed and could be a factor in the board's decision.

Morris explained that the ABC board is a volunteer board, not elected. Because of this, it is sometimes difficult to get a quorum to have a meeting. The board likes to meet once a month, but because it is difficult to get a quorum, they haven't had a meeting for the last two months.

A meeting of the ABC board is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, to review current requests.

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Editorial

All Kanien'keha Day
By: Kanatakta, The Eastern Door

The recently held All Kanien'keha Day on our community radio station was a most welcome event. For years we have heard that language programming won't work on the radio station for a variety of reasons. Everything from "It's too boring", to "No one will listen", to "No speakers are available" were stated as reasons for the lack of Kanien'keha programming. It was very apparent from the day's programming that these reasons are not valid.

Congratulations should go out to the cultural Center, Kanien'keha Takthahrhas and "KRK for finding the right formula. Language programming can not exist simply of lessons or words of the day. It needs to be given the opportunity to express itself in many ways, from storytelling, to singing, to guests on the telephone and off the street. It needs to be alive.

So what is the state of Kanien'keha today? Depending on who you talk to, it is managing along or in grave danger. No one feels that it is flourishing. Everyone is aware that the Kanien'keha Immersion Program at Karonhianonha Tsi Ionterihweienstahkhwa can not do the job alone. The program gives our young people a good start, but there is not enough support outside of the school to continue the fine work of the program. The Karihwanoron Mohawk Immersion Program is producing good results, but their program is limited in size.

Kanien'keha Takthahrhas is a group that has been around for less than two years. They have had some impact in the effort to preserve our language. Last summers language conference and their participation in the All Kanien'keha Day are but two examples. However, the group has not been successful in securing funds to set up an office and a language program. Why?

Where does the Cultural Center fit in this puzzle? With a mandate to preserve and promote the language and culture of the community, it has also had some impact when it comes to language preservation. The very popular Sose tanon Sose show, featuring Joe Deer and Joe Dove, has been sponsored by the Cultural Center from its inception. Tetewatieronnionwh, the language variety night, has drawn more people in the past two years than ever before. Language books, tapes and a summer camp are all part of the Cultural Center's work. Is it enough?

And what about The Eastern Door? This newspaper has sputtered when it comes to the language preservation effort. We certainly have covered stories about the language. However, beyond the occasional community contribution we have managed to include some vocabulary lessons and not much else.

So what are we as a community to do? It is a well recognized fact that in order to learn a language, it has to be hears. It is also very clear that to save a language it must be used. We will not find a better example of how to accomplish both these tasks than the All Kanien'keha Day.

Perhaps it is time for 'KRK to return to its roots. 'KRK stands for Kanien'kehaka Raotitiohkwa Kahnawake. It was born from the Cultural Center, with the same mandate to preserve and promote the language and culture of our community.

It is a great burden to take on the responsibility of preserving a language. We are not suggesting that 'KRK produce one hundred percent language programming, although that would be ideal. We are recognizing the fact that some organizations are better suited to the effort, that they reach you in every room, that they follow you in your car, that they are Now. How about an All Kanien'keha Day on a regular basis, perhaps monthly to start?

Our radio station has made great strides in the recent past with regards to language preservation. Witness the news reports, talk show and station and program introductions. With the support of the community, we may see the greatest step yet.

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Comics

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