Plattsburgh, NY — Dozens of people of all ages packed into the Plattsburgh High School gym Saturday to learn about the culture of the Akwesasne Mohawk people.

"They're sharing their cultural ways with our community, and since they are our nearby Native American territory, I wanted to work with them on this festival," said Julia Devine, a festival organizer and coordinator for the SUNY Plattsburgh Center for Community Engagement.

Saturday's festival served as a launch into a series of events centered around the novel "The Round House" by author Louise Erdrich.

Devine received a National Endowment for the Arts grant, allowing her and others to organize the Big Read activities.

"The whole festival is celebrating the themes of the book, which are Native American culture, sexual assault awareness, community and the joy of reading," she said.

Elder and spiritual leader Tom Porter opened the ceremony with a message about protecting and appreciating the environment.

"I'm hoping that they can be more respectful of the Mother Earth, and the waters, the air and all of the environment," he said. "The environment really is our parent. Without the environment, we wouldn't live. I hope that they received the message that to be always respectful (to the environment.)"

Akwesasne Mohawk Festival educates community, kicks off "Big Read" events

Members of the Native North American Traveling College also presented.

"I'm surprised at the size of the crowd here today," Ryan Hill, a cultural educator with the group, said. "Our message is about the Earth and taking care of the Earth."

The group travels to schools and educational events to spread awareness about Native American culture.

"I hope there's an opening, and perhaps people can acknowledge who our neighbors are and the land that we are on and a different way of thinking, and open the door to working together and honoring this community." Devine said.

More information about April events be found here.