MCK congratulates young man selected for Mohawk-Irish Language Scholarship

05/22/2019

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to congratulate Tahothoratie Cross, who was selected for the Mohawk-Irish Language Scholarship created last month to facilitate a Mohawk Scholar from Kahnawà:ke to attend a Gaelic (Irish-language) course in the Irish community of An Cheathrú Rua each year.

Mr. Cross, who is 20 years old, attended Kahnawà:ke schools and is a graduate of Karonhianóhnha and Kahnawà:ke Survival School.

“I’m super excited and, I have to admit, a bit nervous” said Mr. Cross. “It’s a great opportunity to experience something unique. I’m looking forward to bringing back what I learn to the community.  I am hoping that the knowledge I gain will be beneficial to not only myself but the Kanien’kehá:ka language also.”

The three-week course will take place from Friday, May 31st to Wednesday, June 19th. The scholarship includes transportation, tuition and living expenses (food and accommodations).

The award was announced in Dublin, Ireland on April (date) by Ireland’s Minister of State for Gaeltacht, Sean Kyne, T.D., Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton, and James Kelly, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ireland Canada University – the organization who will administer the Scholarship.

“This Scholarship will enable a Mohawk Scholar to explore how Gaelic is used on a daily basis, while surrounded by the English language” said Ietsénhaienhs Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, who holds the Heritage Portfolio for the MCK. “Their situation is similar to ours, where Kanien’kéha is used in a similar manner.

“We are extremely pleased that Mr. Cross is the first recipient of the Mohawk-Irish Language Scholarship,” said Grand Chief Norton. “He will make an excellent ambassador on behalf of the Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke as we embark on this journey of friendship with the people of Ireland. We all share in the excitement of today’s announcement.”

Course credits can be transferred to Canadian universities, if desired.