Kontiwennenhá:wi Carriers of the Words 
by Kahentíson (Betty) Nanticoke This women's group originated as the Women's Singing Society from Ahkwesahsne. A singing society is charged with the responsibility of giving assistance and support to those in the community who have suffered a loss of some sort. Traditionally, Men's Singing Societies represented their Nation's at gatherings called Six Nations Sing held twice annually in the spring and fall. In recent years. more women's groups are sharing their songs also.
The name came about mainly for the beliefs that we have a duty to help our language survive. The majority of our songs are written in the Mohawk Language with the help of fluent Mohawk speaking community people. We believe that if our language dies, so will we as a Nation of people because without our language we will have no culture. We proudly share our songs and teach children so that we may honor everything that is natural to us. Through our songs we honor our Mother the Earth, our Grandmother the Moon, Our Grandparents from every generation, the teachers in schools who teach the language, the Great Law of Peace for our life's foundation, and more. As Kontiwennenhá:wi became more well known people began requesting this women's group to sing at various community functions outside of the Longhouse. For this reason, the women do not attach the Singing Society to their group because it is a distinction reserved for the Haudenosaunee. They do, however continue to contribute to our community by assisting and sharing.
Proceeds from the sales of this CD go towards helping us to help our elders, our children, our men & women, and all Ahkwesahsró:non. Featured on this CD are: Kenkiokoktha Theresa Bear Swamp-Fox Angie Mitchell Kahentíhson Elizabeth Swamp-Nanticoke Jessica Lazore Katsiítsión:ni Fox Kaweienón:ni Margaret Peters Konwasenná:wi David Iawén:tas Nanticoke Tsierihwiióhsta Jean Square Rachel Gray Kawennahén:te Maxine Cole Sandi Dupree Tewasohkwaténies Yvonne Peters
The CD was designed by Katsiítsión:ni Fox Click on the link below to see the words to the songs. |