Àkweks Katye (The Eagle Flies)

(Performance is 2:54-9:03)

Program Note: "Àkweks Katye (The Eagle Flies) for solo cello was commissioned by Tippet Rise Art Center for a premiere by Arlen Hlusko at the Tippet Rise Art Center – started by artists/ philanthropists Cathy and Peter Halstead on a 12,500-acre working ranch in southcentral Montana, its open spaces, natural habitats, and expansive skies lend itself to musically explore the important work of the eagle. 

As taught by my Haudenosaunee elders, Tawen’tese and Teahen:te, the eagle or àkweks (in Kaniènkéha Mohawk language) is believed to be our helper. It is the creature that flies the highest and upon our birth, the eagle carries our spirit from the stars into the waters. 

When the time comes, àkweks may also carry our spirit back to the tail of a shooting star so that it may return us to the Sky World. We burn our sacred tobacco and put our prayers into the sacred fire. Creator is signaled by the smoke to hear our prayers. Sometimes, the eagle who can see the smoke may deliver these messages." - Dawn Avery