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THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF THE MOHAWKS OF KAHNAWÁ:KE
Just 10 minutes away, Kahnawá:ke is a Mohawk First Nations community on the South Shore of Montreal, Quebec, with a population of just over eight thousand.
We, the Mohawks of Kahnawá:ke (Kahnawákeró: non) are an ancient people with a vibrant culture and rich history. Kahnawá:ke is known for its immeasurable contribution to the skylines of many North American cities through high steel erection, for its golf courses, for its annual Powwow and for a variety of other attractions.
Kahnawá:ke and our people (Kanien'kehaka - People of the Flint) are part of the Mohawk Nation, which in turn is part of the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy of Five Nations (later, Six Nations - the Tuscarora would join the confederacy in 1710).
We are one of the eight communities that make up the Mohawk (Kanien:keha'ka) Nation and have historic, political and cultural ties to the Oneida, Seneca, Onondaga, Cayuga and Tuscarora Nations of the Northeastern part of North America. In ancient times, these nations achieved a major and innovative development by forming a Confederacy and devising a system of governance known as the Great Law of Peace. In all of the world's history, there are very few examples of such a coming together of nations for the purpose of peace; the formation of the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy is one of them.
The Confederacy and the Great Law of Peace, along with our Creation Story, the Two Row Wampum Treaty and the concept of the Seventh Generation, form the basis of our beliefs, values, traditions, philosophies and unique world view. The founding of the Confederacy demonstrates to us the value of working together in a respectful and peaceful manner; the Great Law provides a democratic model for governing ourselves; our Creation Story explains how we came to be on this earth and what our duties are as human beings; the Two Row Wampum instructs us on how to interrelate with other governments and nations; and the concept of the Seventh Generation reminds us to be respectful of future generations. The contemporary community of Kahnawá:ke has sustained itself and built on its rich cultural background.
There are many historical sites in Kahnawá:ke, one of which is the St. Francis Xavier Mission and the remnants of Fort St. Louis which still surround the church structure. The Mission was originally constructed in 1720, and the fortification was built by the French in 1725, in order to "protect the Christian Iroquois." All of this gives some indication of the blending of both religious and military influences in the colonial era.
Also seen in and around the Kahnawá:ke community, are a number of old stone houses also dating back to colonial times. Generally, many of these houses served as quarters for military officers and other officials.
As for Kahnawá:ke's own military tradition, members of this community have served in every modern conflict since WWI, in either the Canadian or American armed services. A Cenotaph stands across from the St. Francis Xavier Mission. The stoic monument lists the names of those Kahnawá: kehro:non who courageously gave their lives in both world wars and the Korean conflict. It is a testament to the courage and sense of duty which the people of this community exemplify.
In the interests of preserving Kahnawá: ke's unique cultural heritage, the Kanien'kehaka Raotitiohkwa Onkwawén: na Cultural Center was established in 1978. In 2004, the Cultural Center moved into a much larger facility, just south of the Old Malone Highway. The center features a number of books in its extensive library, as well as a number of other resources for scholars, or for those who simply have a general interest in learning about the Kanien'kehaka and Haudenosaunee People. The Center also hosts a number of art exhibits, featuring the works of local and other Native artisans.
Since 1991, the Echoes of a Proud Nation Powwow has taken place on Tekakwitha Island on the closest weekend to July 11th to promote crosscultural understanding between Native and non- Native Peoples alike. Every year, the thousands of people who come to this event are treated to a vast display of Native arts and crafts, traditional foods, and song and dance.
For sports fans, lacrosse is a Native game which dates back to ancient times. It is traditionally described as "the little brother of war," and it can be a rather aggressive game indeed. The sport has come a long way since its ancient origins, and at the present time, Kahnawá:ke has a rather extensive minor lacrosse organization with several participants and teams at all levels of play.
Games can be seen at the Kahnawá:ke Sports Complex, which is located near the junction between the Old Malone Highway and Route 138.
Many influences over the centuries have come to make this community and our people who and what we are today. Furthermore, it would be naïve to suggest that this brief summation encompasses all there is to know about Kahnawá:ke. Rather, it is only by actually coming here and experiencing this unique place firsthand, that anyone could truly begin to see it for what it is.
We invite you to visit our community! |
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