After "The Month Ahead at Cornell Cooperative Extension with Deven Connelly"  at 4pm, Kieran is joined today at 5pm by Matthew O'Neill (host of WGXC show Panther Mountain Sound) to talk about the upcoming event "Celebrating Kanienʼkehá:ka Culture: A Benefit for the Mohawk Akwesasne Freedom School" on Saturday August 29 at Opus 40 in Saugerties, NY. 

The celebration of and fundraiser for the Akwesasne Freedom School (Kanienʼkehá, Mohawk Nation) at Opus 40 will feature artists and culture bearers Tom Porter (Sakokwenionkwas), Akwesasne Youth Dancers, Hataalii, Sophie Strand, Theresa “Bear” Fox, and Kontiwennenhá (Akwesasne Women Singers). Indigenous artists from Akwesasne will also have work available for purchase. This is a unique opportunity to gather in celebration of Kanienʼkehá culture while supporting one of the most inspiring Indigenous language revitalization schools in North America.

Founded in 1979, the Akwesasne Freedom School (AFS) has become a leading model of Indigenous self-determination and Mohawk language revitalization. Through full Mohawk immersion education, students begin each day with the Thanksgiving Address, grounding learning in language, relationship, and cultural responsibility. All proceeds from this event will support the school’s continued growth and help strengthen Native language, culture, and community for generations to come through music, storytelling, dance, and shared celebration.

Tune in for a mix of music themed on current events, interviews with artists, musicians, community members, and more live from Housatonic, Mass. Also featured are the segments:

Kieran Riley lived in Columbia County for years and now resides in Housatonic, South Berkshire County, MA, where he broadcasts the weekly "Monday Afternoon Show" live. Kieran has been involved with WGXC since before the launch of the station in 2011 and has been the host and co-host on many shows including "The Ag Show," "Tell It Like It Is," and "Coyote Ghost Radio Show." He has been broadcasting the Monday edition of WGXC's "Afternoon Show" weekly since 2013, interviewing local guests on many topics AND bringing music and audio covering a range of both local and global issues. His show highlights issues of peace and social justice and provides radio space for youth and marginalized people. He is currently also stepping in for Tony Fallon on the weekly show "The Irish Show."