Karonhiaráhstha’s Memorial Fund was created in memory of Karonhiaráhstha Sky Junie Delisle, born August 1, 2013, a healthy baby girl, to Carla Skye and Iohahí:io Delisle. In December of the same year, Karonhiaráhstha and her family took a vacation to the tropical island of St. Martin. Tragically, on the night of December 27, Carla found her baby unresponsive in their hotel room. The family took all necessary measures in an attempt to revive her, and after a lengthy and complex process to obtain emergency medical services, Karonhiaráhstha was declared deceased. The cause of death was Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
In an article that appeared in The Eastern Door in November of 2014, Karonhiaráhstha’s parents gave a heart-wrenching account of the events that took place surrounding their daughter’s death. In highlighting the insufficient medical services they received in St. Martin, they had a message to the community: Be grateful for the medical services available in and around Kahnawà:ke.
In cooperation with Karonhiaráhstha’s family, Kateri Memorial Foundation launched Karonhiaráhstha’s Winter Wonderland Christmas tree raffle in December of 2015. The inaugural event raised more than $30,000, and the money was set aside for a scholarship fund. Karonhiaráhstha’s Memorial Fund was created to support students pursuing their education in health sciences and health-related career fields.
The 3rd annual Winter Wonderland held in December 2017 raised $60,000. We are proud to announce that since its inception, Kahnawakehró:non students have been awarded more than $40,000 in scholarships, prizes and incentive awards. More than $5,000 has also been disbursed to support emergency first aid & CPR training, bereavement relief services and recognition awards to community members.
Winter Wonderland is now an annual event which keeps both the Memorial Fund and the memory of Karonhiaráhstha alive.
