(January 24, 2013)… Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services has partnered with the 2012 National Lacrosse League Champion Rochester Knighthawks to launch the 2013 “End Violence in the Community” campaign. On Saturday, January 26th, a public service announcement will be played during the game and the Knighthawks team will be wearing purple ribbons on their helmets that read, “End Violence in the Community.” 

Ganohkwasra, with the support of the Knighthawks, as well as Six Nations community members, are taking a stand against violence and abuse. Ganohkwasra, translated as “Love Among Us” in the Cayuga language, is located on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. It provides a very unique shelter that provides various programs and services offering safety, protection and support to First Nations women, youth, children and men who have been impacted by family violence and abuse. 

Ganohkwasra produced a Public Service Announcement, funded by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and Independent First Nations, in response to the violence and abuse occurring to First Nations women, children and men across Canada. It will air Saturday during the Knighthawks-Toronto Rock game, which faces off at 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena.

The PSA, “End Violence in the Community,” grew from a Community Walk which was held on September 29th. Community women, youth, children and men walked from the four directions and converged in the heart of Ohsweken. Knighthawks Alex “Kedoh” Hill and Jamie Batson participated in the walk.

“I just wanted to take part in it. I wanted to show my support, and encourage kids to live a good life and that violence is not the answer,” said Hill. “I was happy to take part in it.”

The four directions are symbolic to the Haudenosaunee (People of the Longhouse) traditions as the Tree of Peace has four great white roots that extend to all four directions of Mother the Earth. Individuals chanted against violence and abuse during the Walk which was inclusive of the violence and abuse of the missing and murdered Aboriginal women; relationship abuse/violence within homes; violence against children, youth and elders; sexual violence, lateral violence and bullying. 

The people chanted for the return of peaceful connection with all that is, which is the traditional way of the Haudenosaunee people. Six Nations is taking a stand to say, “As a community, we can make a difference together.”