A group of teenagers from central Massachusetts spent their April school vacation learning firsthand about the life and culture of Native Americans in modern United States. Over the course of three days, the group learned about issues affecting a community of Mohawk people who have returned to the Mohawk Valley in upstate New York. 

 “I think that this workcamp was eye opening, because in American society we're taught to think that there are no Native Americans still in America,” said volunteer Liz Batsford. “I was absolutely blown away by the commitment of these people to their culture and language.”

The workcamp was the first of its kind designed exclusively for teenagers, including many under 16, and all of the volunteers were members of the same church, the First Church Unitarian of Littleton, Mass. The youth group took part in a UUSC workcamp on the Kanatsiohareke farm in the Mohawk Valley of Fonda in upstate New York.

UUSC staff and two of the church's youth group leaders, Sandra Habe and Benjamin Anthony, accompanied the workcampers. The camp was unique in several ways: all of the participants were from the same congregation, many of the participants were under 16 years of age, and the youth group leaders spent time planning the camp with UUSC staff and raising funds to support it.

The participants learned about the history of the Mohawk people and worked on the farm. In a short time and through much group effort, the group completed many projects, including: feeding and cleaning animals, preparing a garden, completing an anti-soil erosion project, installing a cedar post fence, and mending a chicken coop.

The Kanatsiohareke staff was informative, friendly and welcoming. The host for the volunteers, Howard Lyons, a Mohawk, provided information, training and a concert for the group. Another highly respected member of the community, Tom Porter, shared stories of the Iroquois Nation including prophecies and historical facts that were both spellbinding and compelling.

“After working here for three days and learning about their culture I have a great respect for what they are doing and pride at having helped and learned about their community and I hope I can come back next year,” said workcamper Sarah Faden.