(Kahnawake) A cool breeze was blowing on our necks. The sky was gray and cloudy. It was rather ugly weather, after all. But the laughter and shouts of joy were bright.
These cries are those of the twenty or so young people who came to participate in flag football exercises at the Kahnawake Sports Complex on Monday with Alouettes players, who were visiting the Mohawk community for the second year.
Children of all ages, boys and girls, took part in the activities supervised by linebackers Alexandre Gagné and Tyrice Beverette, running back Jeshrun Antwi and tackle Dylan Wynn. They gave advice and carefully directed the movements of their flock, who listened attentively. Even the mascot Touché transformed into a center and attempted a few passes, with an efficiency that could be described as random.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Running back Jeshrun Antwi participated in activities with the youth.
During a simulated game, one of Wynn’s team members made an interception and ran it back into the end zone, to loud cheers from his teammates and his coach for a day. The other side was quick to join in the celebrations. At one point, it was even questionable who was having more fun on the field, the kids or the Als players.
“It’s good that [les Alouettes] “They take the time to come and have the kids participate. They wouldn’t have this opportunity otherwise,” said James Lazard, a local resident who watched the activities from the stands.
Rusty Jacobs, meanwhile, was leaning on the post of a soccer net at the far end of the field nestled among the trees, not far from Route 138. He was watching his daughter Kaylee, 9, who was struggling under the watchful eye of Alexandre Gagné. “She’s the one with the big smile,” he told us, to help us spot her in the group.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Jeshrun Antwi (left) and Alexandre Gagné present an exercise to the young people on site.
Which, in the end, didn’t help us much. Because everyone here had a smile on their face.
A story to know
The event was born last year at the initiative of the Alouettes, on the sidelines of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The objective is to get closer to the indigenous population, but also to raise awareness in all of society about the realities of the latter, as well as the abuse and injustices that they have suffered throughout their history.
“When I went to school, we weren’t taught that, which is an injustice in itself. With all the efforts made in recent years, it helps, but we have to continue,” insists Mark Weightman, president of the Alouettes.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Mark Weightman, president of the Alouettes, shows the helmet in the Mohawk colours which will be used in the next game.
During their game on Saturday against the Toronto Argonauts, the Als will wear orange jerseys during their warm-ups. These jerseys will then be auctioned off with the proceeds going to the community of Kahnawake. In addition, a logo created especially for the occasion by a local artist will adorn the players’ helmets.
According to Weightman, these marks of recognition, as well as this evening of flag football with the young people, will allow the continuation of the educational efforts made so far, here and elsewhere.
“If more people, because they followed our activities, learned a little more about the importance of knowing the history and what happened, and of knowing more about the indigenous cultures in Quebec, I consider that to be a victory for us,” he believes.
“I have hope for the future”
For their part, members of the Kahnawake community are delighted to see the team’s efforts to unite people in its own way.
“That’s the main reason we accepted the Alouettes’ invitation. To build these bridges, these relationships. […] “We wanted it to become an annual event and it’s starting to look like that,” says Harry Rice, former chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake.
“That’s what Truth and Reconciliation Day should be about: understanding and accepting each other’s differences,” said Jeremiah Johnson, recently elected to the Council.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Tyrice Beverette throws the ball to a young girl.
The event also makes him optimistic for the younger generation in his community. “When I see this, I have hope for the future,” he says proudly. “I see kids getting involved in activities that are good for the mind and body. If these guys can inspire even one or two young people to get involved in sports or live a healthier life, it’s worth it.”
Time passed, and the gray sky gave way to a dawning darkness, a sign that the evening was advancing. No matter, the young people and the Alouettes continued to play together. Under the sign of learning and communion that we hope to instill with this activity.
And with the same big smile.