As communities across the U.S. reflect on the nation’s 250th anniversary, Caffè Lena in Saratoga Springs will host a special evening of storytelling honoring the Indigenous roots of the land. On Tuesday, July 7 at 7 P.M., the venue welcomes Tom Porter of Sakokwenionkwas, “The One Who Wins”, a Mohawk elder, author, educator, and spiritual leader of the Mohawk Community of Kanatsiohareke, for a one-hour storytelling presentation followed by an open mic session.
Mohawk storytelling has been a living practice that has preserved history, values, and cultural identity for generations. Porter, a member of the Bear Clan of the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne, brings this legacy to the stage with decades of dedication to revitalizing Mohawk language, philosophy, and traditions. He served as a sub-chief for 21 years, directed the Akwesasne Freedom School, and led the “White Roots of Peace” multimedia campaign to share Native traditions across North America.
Porter is also the author of eleven books and holds four honorary doctorates from institutions including Syracuse University and SUNY Cobleskill. The event arrives at a moment when national conversations about American history often overlook the millennia-long Indigenous stewardship of these lands. “With all the attention on America’s 250th anniversary, we thought this would be a meaningful opportunity to remember that the story of this land began thousands of years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” organizers shared in their announcement.
For those unable to attend in person, Caffè Lena TV will livestream the performance starting at 7 P.M. on July 7. Tickets are $5, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the artists. Subscribers to Caffè Lena TV can access unlimited live streams, two weeks of recent shows, and the venue’s video archive. Subscription tiers include Go Live ($10/month) and All Access (now $10/month), both of which offer on-demand viewing for 7 days after each show.
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