Walter Benedict started ironworking at the age of 17 and spent his career travelling the country to build skyscrapers. He said that ironworking was demanding, but just a job like any other. Read or listen to his full North Country at Work story here.
Carrie Hill is a modern basket maker and the owner of Chill Baskets. She works out of a home studio and has work in museums and collections around the world. Making baskets from sweetgrass and black ash splint is a tradition that goes back generations in her family, but Carrie learned as an adult, from her […]
Carrie Hill is a modern basket maker and the owner of Chill Baskets. She works out of a home studio and has work in museums and collections around the world. She says it has been rewarding beyond measure, and describes her personal style as ‘colorful, balanced, and very Carrie.’ Photo taken October 2019. Hogansburg, NY. Photo by […]
Norman Tarbell worked on the iron for 33 years, and for most of them he was traveling to and from Akwesasne every week. He said that the nomadic lifestyle built a sense of comradery among all the ironworkers.
Darryl Lazore started iron working in New York City when he was just 15 years old. Here he describes the steep learning curve he faced as a brand new worker far away from home. Photo courtesy of Darryl Lazore.
Theresa Bear Fox is an Akwesasne-based singer and songwriter. She spoke about singing in both Mohawk and English, and how her songs allow her to personally connect with her listeners. The photo is of Fox performing at the Native American Music Awards. Photo courtesy of Theresa Bear Fox.
Katsitsionni Fox is a documentary filmmaker from Akwesasne. Katsitsionni described how openness makes for a good documentary filmmaker, and her favorite moments on a shoot. Director Katsitsionni Fox holds a microphone while interviewing Pete Jemison. Photo courtesy of Katsitsionni Fox.
Director Katsitsionni Fox holds a microphone while interviewing Pete Jemison. Katsitsionni is a documentary filmmaker from Akwesasne. One of Katsitsionni’s most recent films was focused on her daughter and friends, and what growing up is like for Mohawk youth. She spoke about the advantages of being close to your subjects as a filmmaker. Photo courtesy […]
Iakonikonriiosta married an ironworker and moved to Akwesasne. Her husband traveled to work every week, so she was only able to see him on the weekends.
Wenknitanwon Seymour was in her twentieth year of teaching at the Akwesasne Freedom School and about to retire. She said that she’s seen student’s appreciation for the school change over the years, but that recently they seem to appreciate learning their own language and culture.
