The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Office of Economic Development (OED) announced that it was selected as a T-Mobile Hometown Grant Recipient. “The T-Mobile Hometown Grant program has made a massive impact in small towns and rural communities across the country,” said Main Street America Interim CEO Hannah White. “Grantees have renovated historic spaces, built new playgrounds and parks, and spurred innovative placemaking projects that are bringing community members together in new and meaningful ways. We are thrilled to partner with T-Mobile and Smart Growth America to continue this important work in places that are too-often overlooked.”

Akwesasne was selected as one of 25 Hometown Grant winners: the grant funding will be applied to a special Smoke Dance Sculpture art installation and landscaping for Skén:nen Park West.

Skén:nen park is located in the heart of downtown Akwesasne, along Route 37. Skén:nen Park is part of a downtown revitalization initiative that began pre-covid, led by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s cultural tourism division. The Smoke Dance sculptures began in 2019 as a community engagement initiative led by the Akwesasne Cultural Tourism team. The sculptures are made up of a vibrant mosaic, featuring images collected by local Akwesasne artisans.

• Akwesasne, N.Y.: Install Haudenosaunee Smoke Dancer sculptures in the newly developed Skén:nen Park along the St. Regis River to pay tribute to the community’s cultural heritage.