Akwesasne
HLF has partnered with the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory
Akwatsire (ah - khwa - jee - leh) means “family”.
The Holistic Life Foundation has launched its first satellite initiative in a groundbreaking partnership with the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. This collaboration unites our communities, both shaped by histories of oppression and intergenerational trauma, around shared values of trauma-informed care, community healing, and wellness.
In the summer of 2020, Holistic Life Foundation trained 14 Mindful Leaders with 80 hours of intensive yoga and mindfulness instruction over five weeks. But we didn’t stop there. We also provided mental health awareness, Traditional Haudenosaunee Cultural Education, classroom management workshops, and professional development in financial literacy, public speaking, resume building, and conflict resolution. This holistic approach not only empowered these leaders to teach but also fostered their growth as individuals and community pillars.
The demand for our programs has far exceeded expectations, doubling the service area for our Akwesasne satellite initiative. Throughout the 2020-2021 academic year, these Mindful Leaders have been working in local schools in Franklin and St. Lawrence County, as well as at the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's Early Learning Center. They’ve integrated Mohawk culture into their teachings, making mindfulness and yoga accessible, relevant, and deeply impactful for both indigenous and non-native students.
Through a strategic partnership with local Employment Resource Centers, Mindful Leaders received stipends during their training, allowing them to focus fully on their development amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This financial support was crucial in enabling them to become effective agents of change.
Globally recognized for our commitment to excellence and authenticity, the Holistic Life Foundation is thrilled to welcome five new Mindful Leader Recruits to the Holistic Life Foundation Akwatsire team. Guided by Senior Mentors Lloyd Jones and Jamaal Hawkins, these leaders are expanding our reach and bringing the healing power of mindfulness to even more communities in need.
Meet the Team
Holistic Life Foundation Akwesasne Mindful Leaders
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Director for the Holistic Life Foundation Akwesasne
My name is Noelle LaTrace and I am the new Director for the Holistic Life Foundation Akwesasne. I have spent my entire life building connections within several communities, and working with thousands of youth. It has always been my personal mission to help, guide and lead as many individuals as possible. The last five years have been a true example of manifestation, as I have manifested everything that I have in my life right now, including this position. I started my own personal healing journey in 2020, during COVID. I needed a healthy outlet to work through the negativity in the world, and meditation and connecting with the spirit world was what worked best for me. I have a beautiful, kind and loving wife, and in October 2024 I gave birth to our perfect son, Journey Wilder. I am thankful to continue holding space for anyone who needs guidance, love, light and support.
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Yoga & Mindfulness Staff
Shoien’kwaro:wane is a Turtle-Clan, belonging to the Kanien’keha:ka of Akwesasne. He is a competitive athlete, a proud father, and a lifelong student of martial arts. As a troubled youth, he discovered pathways back to wellness through the practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art which emphasizes critical thinking and self mastery.
Through the pursuit of healing, and further developing his knowledge of mental and physical health, he would complete the Mindfulness Leadership Training in 2022 under the Holistic Life Foundation.
Since then, yoga and deep breathing has become a major staple in his life. He has worked tirelessly to rapidly develop his studies; whether it is on a yoga mat, or otherwise, he has found a penchant for sharing his knowledge with others.
Shoienkwarowane has worked in the local and surrounding school districts with countless youth.
More than anything he is a huge advocate for the young people in our community, and believes in strengthening our connections, and empowering the next generation. He is an example of how cultivating mindfulness, and simply being present with one another can change someone's life.
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Yoga and Mindfulness Specialist
Anenhaienton (Scattering Corn Man) Joshua Angus Sargent Scattering Corn Man is a Snipe Clan Mohawk of Akwesasne. He is a father and jack of all trades. He had tirelessly advocated and worked to uphold Haudenosaunee Sovereignty, Wellness and Community resilience through action. A do-er with a penchant for out of the box thinking and analysis, with a curious and questioning mind. Anenhaienton is often at the cutting edge of community empowerment activities. He brings over 20 years’ experience as a public speaker, a Traditional Haudenosaunee Singer, Dancer and Storyteller. Anenhaienton has worked as a radio broadcaster, farmer, comedian, web designer, and "the audio video guy”. Anenhaienton learned mindfulness, meditation and yoga through his own healing work and integrates the practice with Haudenosaunee philosophy and ancestral teachings.
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Yoga & Mindfulness Staff
My name Jordan Mitchell. At home I’m a mother of two beautiful kids, but you may have also seen me within the schools as a mindfulness instructor or around the community of Akwesasne, where I live. Holistic Life Foundation found me at such a perfect time in my life because let’s be honest; life gets busy and we all need to be reminded to slow down. I’m new to HLF but have found such joy in seeing youth using their mindful practices to improve their lives and also when they go on to share these practices with others. I am grateful to be a part of such an amazing organization and excited for what the future holds.
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Yoga & Mindfulness Staff
My name is Theresa White, I have been working with HLF Akwesasne for about a year now as a Mindfulness Instructor. Some of the time in Elementary School, as well as Middle and HighSchool currently. I enjoy working with all ages and I"m very grateful to be able to teach and learn from all the students each day! Some of my hobbies are running, singing and spending time with family. Being a mindfulness instructor is very rewarding work, I enjoy it very much, it makes me happy.
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Yoga and Mindfulness Specialist
She:kon everyone, my name is Shye Chubb. My traditional name is Ioweraha:wi, which translates to “she carries the wind.” In July 2020, I completed the Holistic Life Foundation training program in my community of Akwesasne. Facing adversity and trauma in my life, this program opened my eyes to a new way of healing and self regulation. The impact of mindfulness has a ripple effect. I am more than eager to share the techniques I have learned throughout the past two years to inspire others to find that calm place inside themselves in the midst of internal and external turbulence. I am currently in my second year working with the Massena Elementary school disctrict and I could not be more grateful for this opportunity of being a mindfulness leader.
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Yoga & Mindfulness Staff
She:kon, my name is Krista Loran, and my traditional name is Iehsennineh, which means “she carries the names.” I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, certified since 2019, and a proud graduate of the Holistic Life Workforce Development Training completed in July 2023.
Rooted in a deep respect for healing traditions and holistic well-being, I have dedicated my career to supporting others on their path to physical, emotional, and spiritual health. My journey began with hands-on therapeutic bodywork, and through that practice, I discovered a greater calling—to expand my ability to help others heal beyond the massage table.
Mindfulness and holistic approaches have had a profound impact on my personal growth, and it is now my mission to share those tools with others. Whether through touch, guided practices, or simply holding space, I am passionate about supporting individuals in their daily lives as they navigate their own healing journeys.
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Educational Consultant
Jennifer Hutchins works as the Educational Consultant for HLF Akwesasne. She has been an educator in the Akwesasne community for over 20 years. She graduated with a B.A. in Education in 2001 and completed her Masters in Literacy in 2003 at SUNY Potsdam. Jennifer is also a Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor, and Mindfulness educator at BE Yoga. Jennifer began her own mindfulness journey in 2012 when both her children were diagnosed with Autism. She wanted to understand her anxiety and build a toolbox that would assist her in her daily life so she could give her kids the best life possible. She then realized that the tools she had acquired were also tools other people needed and started teaching mindfulness to her students in her classroom. She continues to work alongside HLF to help students cultivate their emotional development.
