O
Divine Creator
Nia:wen*
for the earth and land
home
of child, woman, man
of
our Kenien’kahaka* clan
O
Divine Creator
Nia:wen
for the water ways
by
which we traveled in our days
resplendant
in the sunlight’s rays
O
Divine Creator
Nia:wen
for the air and light
that
gives us breath and guides our sight
the
sun by day, the moon by night
O
Divine Creator
Nia:wen
for the life I live
for
all I have to share and give
for
all my clan, my relatives
O
Divine Creator
*Nia:wen
(NEEah’ wen) means thank you
*Ka
nien kahaka (ka NEEN kah HAW kah) means People of the Flint, more commonly
known as the Mohawk. Their society
revolves around the clan they belong to, every member of which is considered
family. Every Mohawk clan originates from a common female ancestor
1. Catherine Somerton
Catherine is a Canadian living in Kemptville, Ontario almost an hour south of Ottawa. She has always identified strongly with the marginalized because of her dyspraxia and ADHD. These conditions haven't limited her love of learning and writing, however. She is presently working on a middle school novel with the Institute for Writers, and is very grateful to her instructor/editor Nancy Coffelt. In addition to her writing program, Catherine has obtained certificates in Indigenous Studies and the Global Arctic through Coursera. She hopes to begin applying what she has learned through community service in the near future.