A pair of programs sponsored by the Native American studies program this week will include a documentary about a Mohawk coming-of-age ceremony and a solemn observation of loss.

A screening of "Ohero:kon - Under the Husk" followed by a Q&A with director Katsitsionni Fox will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 19, in the Marano Campus Center auditorium (room 132).

The 26-minute documentary follows the journey of two Mohawk girls as they take part in their traditional rites of passage to become Mohawk women. Kaienkwinetha and Kasennakohe are childhood friends from traditional families living in the Mohawk community of Akwesasne which straddles the U.S.-Canada border. 

They both take part in a four-year adolescent passage of rites and ceremony called "Ohero:kon 'Under the Husk'" that has been revived in their community. This ceremony challenges them spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically, shaping the women they become.

In addition, the Red Dress Art Installation Project returns to campus, featuring dresses made by students of SUNY Oswego. Ten red dresses will be displayed on campus (on the sundial of the academic quad) from April 19 to May 3 to raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (#MMIW). 

Tabling will take place in Mahar Hall on April 15 and 16 and Wilber Hall on April 17 and 18, where students will be able to find out more information about #MMIW and even help sew.