By Gerry Jamieson
Being from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, last year was the first year that I participated in the Onondaga Nation Spring Clean-up. It was very pleasing to see the community’s willingness and the enthusiasm of the children to clean the trash on the roads and the adjacent areas. I was rather impressed by some of the skills of the youngsters in not getting their hair tangled up in the brushes while reaching to pick up trash.
Aside from the high presence of fast food packaging along the roadways, the group also discovered 5 drums of toxic waste that was dumped in the bushes along Kennedy Road. To add to this disturbing find I also noticed that one drum had begun to deteriorate and leak into the ground. It was great that we found it when we did!
One chaperone stated that it’s great to see the kids come out and take 3 days out of their spring break to do some work for the well being of Nation. It was also urged that more parental chaperones come out next year. In all the 3 days we averaged about 25 adults and children a day, with more children than adults.
It was great to teach our children to appreciate the environment around them at a young age and to also show them the strength how cooperation can achieve common goals. From what I understand this has been a Nation tradition for a number of years, and for a number of years to come. I give me most sincere thank you to all those that helped out this year especially the children and I look forward to seeing you all next year for the 2010 Spring Clean Up!