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ABOUT US
Good Mind Grappling: Akwesasne is a project to address intergenerational trauma in indigenous communities.
Physical Literacy
We use combat sports and a physical literacy framework to teach transferable fundamental movement skills and encourage active lifestyles.
Social & Emotional Development
We use experiential activities to improve social-emotional skills, build resiliency, and improve confidence to help youth realize their full potential.
Why "Good Mind" Grappling?
In the Haudenosaunee context, we talk about Ka’nikonhrí:io and Wake’nikonhrèn:ton.
Ka’nikonhrí:io (The Good Mind) is when our minds are clear from grief, anger, trauma and sorrow. This allows for clear decision-making and positive actions.
Wake’nikonhrèn:ton (The Clouded Mind), is when our minds are obscured by negative emotions and feelings. This mindset can guide a person towards harmful and destructive behaviors.
Our project uses the grappling arts to engage the Good Mind to promote resilience and good character in Indigenous youth.
OUR TEAM
Meet Thomas and Phillip
Thomas and Phillip Barreiro are multi-time Canadian Greco-Roman Wrestling National champions. They strive to be good role models for the people on the Akwesasne Reservation.
As experienced coaches, they have logged many years and countless hours working with the younger generation in their community. They are both passionate about the sport and have a lot of love for the culture that raised them to be who they are today.
They emphasize the importance for young people to develop mindful values and personal discipline. This is critical in order to help Akwesasne youth achieve a healthy lifestyle, not just for themselves but for the community as well.
Thomas Rahontsiiostha Barreiro
Thomas is a dedicated father of two who is passionate about making a positive impact in his community.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from American University in 2013 and spent nine years working with youth at the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club.
Thomas has 20 years of experience in grappling. As a wrestler, he is a North American Indigenous Games Champion, NCCA Division One Starter for American University (2010-2013), a six-time Canadian National Champion in Greco-Roman Wrestling.
Phillip Raweri:io Barreiro
Phillip has a passion for knowledge and growth in wrestling which has led him to be an Assistant D1 coach for Binghamton University (2022-2023).
He graduated American University with BA in Political Science and went on to work as a Court Administrator for Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe for 8 years.
As a wrestler, he is a 2-time North American Indigenous Games Champion, NCCA Division One Starter for American University (2009-2013), a 3-time Canadian National Champion Greco-Roman wrestling. Phillip is also a Brazilian Jiu jitsu purple belt.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Our Sponsors
We would like to express our gratitude to our sponsors for enabling us to share our passion.
This program allows us to provide positive opportunities for the youth in our community.
