Akwesasne Mohawk Territory- September 27th, 2016 the Akwesasne Tourism Working Group (ATWG) has unveiled the launch of the Experience Akwesasne Interactive Map, available at www.experienceAkwesasne.com. This visually pleasing interactive map is a digital tour of Akwesasne complete with beautiful photographs capturing the current sites on territory, as well as historical photos and facts so that even the lifelong Akwesasronon may learn something new.
Complete with historical tidbits and local sites, Experience Akwesasne Interactive Map also highlights local artisans and businesses throughout the territory by way of drop-pins complete with photo and blurb of each business or historical and cultural site. The community of Akwesasne is wealthy in its historical, cultural, and artistic heritage, and its visitors will be able to navigate to local points of interest within the community by the touch of a smartphone.
Lindsay Tarbell, SRMT Economic Development Planner & Chairwoman for the ATWG has been working on this project since the start eight years ago, as the need to develop tourism in Akwesasne was identified as a priority through the Akwesasne Comprehensive Community Development Plan (SRMT 2008) and the Akwesasne Comprehensive Community Plan (MCA 2016). “We’ve done an extensive amount of strategic planning, which is crucial in building a strong foundation moving forward. It’s great to finally have projects like this that we can start to present to the community. We have an amazing working group made up of representatives from the Native North American Travelling College, Akwesasne Cultural Center Library & Museum, Onkwehon:we Arts Council, Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs, Akwesasne Area Management Board, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe,†stated Tarbell.
With the local businesses, artisans and historical locations highlighted, this interactive map educates its visitors, both Native and non-Native alike, on the cultural and historical significance of the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. It utilizes Mohawk place names to further support and strengthen a once endangered Indigenous language. This interactive map is a collaborative effort drawn from the community, as well as the extensive historical collection of imagery housed at the Akwesasne Cultural Center Library & Museum- a true gem within the community.
The ATWG has two launch events planned to showcase the Experience Akwesasne Interactive Map, the first being on September 27th, 2016 from 4-6pm and the second on September 29th, 2016 from 4-6pm; both taking place at the Akwesasne Cultural Center Library & Museum at 321 State Rt. 37. If you are an Akwesasronon artist, business owner providing a culturally based service, a local historian, storyteller, or elder; the Akwesasne Tourism Working Group wants to hear from you so your “contribution to the cultural vitality of the community†may be added to this unique interactive map.
“I’m really looking forward to community feedback on the map. It will teach visitors- native and non-native- to recognize the cultural and historical significance of Akwesasne, and showcase our vibrant community of artists and locally owned businesses. Visitors can use the map to plant their visit to Akwesasne or navigate points of interest using their smartphones. The digital map weaves locally owned businesses providing traditional arts and services with local lore, historic sites, and ecological treasures that can only be truly appreciated by visiting Akwesasne,†expressed Tarbell.
For more information regarding the Experience Akwesasne Interactive Map, or the Akwesasne Tourism Working Group, please contact Lindsay M. Tarbell- SRMT Economic Development Planner & Chair of the ATWG at (518)651-4073, or via email at Lindsay.tarbell@srmt-nsn.gov.
BY: Ohseraseia:hawi
