Detour: A Small Church by the River

Depression and anxiety defined my experience in Akwesasne. Really, any time I left the motel, I considered it a win. 

I'm not religious, but Catholicism is an important thread for the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. In Akwesasne, you are likely either Catholic or a "traditionalist," someone who goes to the Longhouse. Because Longhouse traditions are typically closed to non-members or visitors, but I did attend mass one Sunday.

Here are some fun facts about the experience: 

• In 2016, the church leadership opted to start conducting parts of mass in the Mohawk language as a way of bringing it back into the culture. Most members are not fluent. 
• The stone building, pictured here, was built in 1795 and can be found in the Quebec corner of the reservation. 
• Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint, was a Mohawk. She was canonized in 2012. 

The St. Regis Mohawk Church, located in Kahnawake, Canada. 

The third episode of Good Grief is out Feb. 6. Listen here.