What is the self-designation of the Mohawk people, and what does it mean?

The Mohawk people refer to themselves as Kanien'kehá:ka, which literally translates to 'People of the Flint'. This name reflects their historical significance and connection to the material used for tools and weapons.

What is the Mohawk people's affiliation within the Indigenous nations of North America?

The Mohawk are an Indigenous people of North America and are the easternmost nation of the Haudenosaunee, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy or the Five Nations (later Six Nations).

Where are the primary contemporary communities of the Mohawk people located?

Mohawk communities are primarily situated in southeastern Canada, specifically in Quebec and Ontario, and in northern New York State in the United States, with a significant presence around Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

What historical role did the Mohawk people play within the Iroquois Confederacy?

As one of the five original members of the Iroquois Confederacy, the Mohawk were known as the Keepers of the Eastern Door, serving as the guardians of the confederation against invasions from the east.

What are some of the contemporary Mohawk communities or federally recognized tribes?

Current Mohawk communities include the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation, Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke, Mohawks of Kanesatake, Six Nations of the Grand River, and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in the United States.

Describe the traditional territory of the Mohawk people at the time of European contact.

At the time of European contact, the Mohawk territory was centered in the Mohawk River valley in present-day upstate New York. Their lands extended north to the St. Lawrence River, south into New Jersey and Pennsylvania, east to the Green Mountains of Vermont, and west to the homeland of the Oneida Nation.

What are the two main types of leadership structures found within Mohawk communities?

Many Kanien'kehá:ka communities have two sets of chiefs: hereditary chiefs, nominated by Clan Mothers (matriarchs), and elected chiefs and councilors, established through constitutions, with whom governments often prefer to deal.

What factors have contributed to internal conflict within Mohawk communities since the late 20th century?

Internal conflicts have arisen due to increased activism for land claims, rising tribal revenues from gaming, competing leadership structures, issues of traditional government jurisdiction, taxation disputes, and the influence of the Canadian Indian Act.

What is the Mohawk language called in its native tongue, and what language family does it belong to?

The Mohawk language is called Kanyen'kéha, and it is classified as a Northern Iroquoian language.

What is a key linguistic characteristic of the Mohawk language?

Like many Indigenous languages of the Americas, Mohawk is a polysynthetic language, meaning words are often formed by combining multiple morphemes (meaningful units) into a single, complex word.

When was the orthography of the Mohawk language standardized?

The orthography of the Mohawk language was standardized in 1993 at the Mohawk Language Standardization Conference.

How did the name 'Mohawk' originate?

The name 'Mohawk' originated from the Algonquian-speaking Mohicans, who referred to the Kanien'kehá:ka as 'Maw Unk Lin' ('bear people'). The Dutch heard and adopted this term, also using 'Egil' or 'Maqua'.

What did the French colonists call the Mohawk people, and what was the origin of the term 'Iroquois'?

The French colonists adapted terms like 'Aignier' and 'Maqui' for the Mohawk. They also used the generic term 'Iroquois,' derived from an Algonquian term meaning 'Big Snakes,' reflecting the traditional rivalry between Algonquian and Iroquois peoples.

When and how did the Mohawk people have their first documented contact with Europeans?

The first documented contact between the Mohawk and Europeans occurred on July 29, 1609, when Samuel de Champlain and his crew, accompanied by Huron allies, encountered Mohawk warriors near Ticonderoga. Champlain's use of firearms resulted in the deaths of four Mohawk chiefs, sparking the Beaver Wars.

What were the Beaver Wars, and what role did the Mohawk play in them?

The Beaver Wars were a series of conflicts in the 17th century primarily fought between the Haudenosaunee (including the Mohawk) and the Huron-Wendat and their French allies. These wars were largely driven by competition for control of the lucrative fur trade with Europeans.

How did the Dutch establish a presence in Mohawk territory, and what was the nature of their relationship?

The Dutch established a trading post at Fort Nassau in 1614 along the Hudson River. They engaged in fur trading with the Mohicans and later the Mohawks, forming an alliance that provided the Mohawk with firearms for their conflicts.

What devastating epidemic affected the Mohawk population in 1635?

In 1635, a smallpox epidemic swept through the Mohawk population, drastically reducing their numbers by 63% due to a lack of immunity to the new disease.

What were the names of the three main Mohawk villages recorded by Isaac Jogues in 1642?

In 1642, the Jesuit missionary Isaac Jogues recorded three main Mohawk villages as Ossernenon, Andagaron, and Tionontoguen, located along the south side of the Mohawk River.

How did the Mohawk interact with the Pequot during the Pequot War?

During the Pequot War (1634-1638), the Pequot sought an alliance with the Mohawk against English colonists. However, the Mohawk refused, killing the Pequot sachem Sassacus who sought refuge with them.

What was the impact of the French attack on Mohawk villages in 1666?

In 1666, the French attacked and burned three Mohawk villages south of the Mohawk River, destroying their stored food supplies. A condition of the subsequent peace treaty was the Mohawk's acceptance of Jesuit missionaries.

Who was Kateri Tekakwitha, and what is her significance to the Mohawk people and Catholicism?

Kateri Tekakwitha, born in the late 1650s, was a Mohawk woman who converted to Catholicism. She is revered as the first Native American Catholic saint, having been beatified and later canonized in the 21st century.

How did the Mohawk people align themselves during the American Revolutionary War?

Most Mohawk people allied with the British during the American Revolutionary War, hoping for support against colonial encroachment on their lands. However, some prominent leaders, like Little Abraham, remained neutral, and others, like Joseph Louis Cook, allied with the American rebels.

What was Sullivan's Expedition, and how did it affect the Mohawk and other Iroquois?

Sullivan's Expedition was a retaliatory campaign by rebel colonists against Iroquois settlements in central and western New York. It destroyed 40 villages, crops, and winter stores, forcing many Mohawk and other Iroquois to migrate to Canada for refuge.

What significant treaty did the Mohawk sign with the United States after the American Revolution?

On November 11, 1794, the Mohawk, along with other Iroquois nations, signed the Treaty of Canandaigua with the United States, which granted them the right to own land within the U.S.

What role did Joseph Brant play in the post-Revolutionary War period?

Joseph Brant led a large group of Iroquois, including many Mohawks, from New York to establish the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve in Ontario, Canada. He continued to serve as a political leader for the Mohawk people throughout his life.

What is the Mohawk Warrior Society, and what kind of actions has it undertaken?

The Mohawk Warrior Society, known as Rotisken'rakéhte in Mohawk, was founded in Kahnawake. Its members use tactics such as roadblocks, evictions, and occupations to advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental protection, notably during the Oka Crisis in 1990.

What is the significance of the Kanatsiohareke purchase in 1993?

In 1993, a group of Akwesasne Mohawks purchased land in Montgomery County, New York, naming it Kanatsiohareke. This marked a return to their ancestral lands and was a significant act of land reclamation.

What is the historical significance of Mohawk ironworkers, particularly in New York City?

Mohawk ironworkers, known as 'skywalkers,' gained renown for their fearlessness in constructing skyscrapers and bridges in New York City and Quebec from the mid-20th century. They played a role in building iconic structures like the Empire State Building and the World Trade Center.

What was the 'Little Caughnawaga' community in Brooklyn?

The 'Little Caughnawaga' was a community formed by Mohawk ironworkers and their families in Brooklyn, New York, active from the 1920s to the 1960s. These families often returned to their home reserve of Kahnawake during the summers.

How did Mohawk ironworkers contribute to the rebuilding efforts after the September 11 attacks?

Mohawk ironworkers participated in the dismantling of the World Trade Center remains and were instrumental in rebuilding the One World Trade Center, demonstrating their continued connection to the city's skyline construction.

What are the differing views on gambling within Mohawk communities?

Elected chiefs and the Warrior Society have encouraged gambling for tribal self-sufficiency, while traditional chiefs have opposed it on moral grounds and due to fears of corruption and organized crime.

What was the outcome of the 1993 Tribal-State Compact between the St. Regis Mohawk First Nation and New York?

The 1993 compact allowed the St. Regis Mohawk to conduct gambling on their reservation. However, the New York Court of Appeals later declared the compact void, ruling that Governor Cuomo had exceeded his authority without legislative approval.

What are the three traditional Mohawk clans?

The three traditional Mohawk clans are the Bear clan (Ohkwa:ri), the Turtle clan (A'nó:wara), and the Wolf clan (Okwaho).

How is social organization structured in terms of kinship and marriage among the Mohawk?

The Mohawk have a matrilineal kinship system, with descent and inheritance passed through the female line. Traditionally, marriages between individuals of the same clan are forbidden, and children belong to their mother's clan.

What is the nature of traditional Mohawk religion?

Traditional Mohawk religion is primarily animist, often centered on a primordial conflict between good and evil. Many Mohawks continue to follow the Longhouse Religion.

What was the historical interaction between early Jesuit missionaries and the Mohawk people?

In the 17th century, Jesuit missionaries, including Isaac Jogues, attempted to convert the Mohawk. While some Mohawks later converted to Catholicism, early encounters involved capture, torture, and killing of missionaries by some Mohawk individuals.

Describe the traditional hairstyle of Mohawk men.

Historically, Mohawk men removed most of the hair from their heads by plucking it tuft by tuft, leaving only a section that could be worn in various styles, which might differ by community.

What materials were commonly used for traditional Mohawk clothing and adornments?

Traditional Mohawk attire was often made from deerskin. Adornments included jewelry made from shells and porcupine quills, such as Wampum belts. Men also wore fur pieces with porcupine quills as headwear.

How does the matrilineal kinship system influence Mohawk marriage practices?

In the matrilineal system, descent and inheritance are traced through the female line. While modern ceremonies vary, the traditional Longhouse ceremony is often performed first, reflecting the importance of lineage and clan affiliation in marriage.

What is the purpose of replicas of longhouses found in Mohawk communities?

Replicas of 17th-century longhouses are built at landmarks and tourist villages to serve as educational and cultural sites. Ceremonial Mohawk Community Longhouses on reserves are used for reciting Mohawk law, holding rites, and practicing the Longhouse Religion.

Who was Thayendanegea, and what was his significance?

Thayendanegea, also known as Joseph Brant, was a prominent Mohawk leader, military officer, and diplomat in the late 18th century. He played a crucial role in negotiating with the British and leading his people during and after the American Revolutionary War.

What is the significance of E. Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake)?

E. Pauline Johnson, known by her Mohawk name Tekahionwake, was a celebrated poet, author, and public speaker from the Six Nations Reserve of the Grand River in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Who was Hendrick Tejonihokarawa, and what notable diplomatic mission did he undertake?

Hendrick Tejonihokarawa was a Mohawk chief of the Wolf clan in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He was one of four Mohawk chiefs who visited England to meet Queen Anne and seek assistance against the French.

What is the meaning of 'Kanien'kehá:ka' in relation to the Mohawk people's history?

The name 'Kanien'kehá:ka' means 'People of the Flint,' reflecting the Mohawk's historical role as significant traders who supplied flint for tool-making to other nations within their confederacy.

How did the Mohawk people's relationship with the Dutch differ from their relationship with the French?

The Dutch were primarily merchants who established trading posts, while the French also conducted fur trading and engaged in missionary activities. The Mohawk formed alliances with the Dutch for trade and firearms, while their relationship with the French involved both conflict and periods of peace.

What was the impact of European diseases on the Mohawk population after initial contact?

European diseases, such as smallpox, had a devastating impact on the Mohawk population, who had no immunity. The smallpox epidemic of 1635, for instance, reduced their population by 63%.

What was the role of Clan Mothers in traditional Mohawk governance?

Clan Mothers held significant leadership roles in traditional Mohawk society, including the nomination of hereditary chiefs, reflecting the matrilineal structure of their social organization.

What is the 'Great Law of Peace' in the context of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy?

The Great Law of Peace is the foundational constitution of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, which established a system of governance and peaceful relations among the member nations, including the Mohawk.

What is the significance of the Mohawk River to the Mohawk people?

The Mohawk River valley was the traditional homeland of the Mohawk people, where they cultivated maize fields on fertile floodplains and established their main villages.

How did the Mohawk participate in the War of 1812?

The Mohawk fought as allies of the British against the United States during the War of 1812, continuing their historical alliances with the British Crown.

What is the 'Oka Crisis', and what role did the Mohawk Warrior Society play?

The Oka Crisis was a land dispute and standoff in 1990 near Oka, Quebec, involving the Mohawk Nation and the Quebec provincial government. The Mohawk Warrior Society played a prominent role in the blockades during this event.

Mohawk People Wiki: Guardians of the Eastern Door: The Mohawk Legacy

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Identity: Kanien'kehá:ka

The People of Flint

The Mohawk, who refer to themselves as Kanien'kehá:ka (meaning "People of the Flint"), are an Indigenous people of North America. They are the easternmost nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy), traditionally serving as the "Keepers of the Eastern Door." Their ancestral territory encompassed the valley of the Mohawk River in present-day upstate New York, extending north to the St. Lawrence River.

Confederacy Members

As one of the five original nations (later six) of the Iroquois Confederacy, the Mohawk have played a pivotal role in the political and cultural landscape of northeastern North America for centuries. Their language belongs to the Iroquoian language family.

Population Distribution

Today, Mohawk communities are primarily located in southeastern Canada (Quebec and Ontario) and northern New York State. Significant population centers include Akwesasne, Kahnawà:ke, Kanesatake, Six Nations of the Grand River, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Wahta Mohawk Territory, and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in New York.

Mohawk Communities

Geographical Clusters

Mohawk communities are organized across distinct regions, reflecting historical movements and contemporary settlements:

Northern New York: Kanièn:ke (Ganienkeh), Kana'tsiohare:ke.
St. Lawrence River (Quebec/Ontario/NY): Ahkwesáhsne (St. Regis), Kahnawà:ke, Kanehsatà:ke (Oka), Tiower:ton (Doncaster).
Southern Ontario: Kenhtè:ke (Tyendinaga), Wáhta (Gibson), Ohswé:ken (Six Nations of the Grand River).

Many communities maintain traditional governance structures alongside elected councils, reflecting a dynamic approach to self-determination.

Governance Structures

Governance varies among communities, often involving a dual system of hereditary chiefs (royaner), nominated by Clan Mothers, and elected chiefs and councilors. This duality reflects the ongoing negotiation between traditional practices and modern governance models, often influenced by external governmental frameworks like the Canadian Indian Act.

Historical Trajectory

Early Encounters

Initial contact with Europeans occurred in the early 17th century, primarily with Dutch traders along the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers and French colonists from New France. These interactions, initially focused on the fur trade, led to alliances and conflicts, including the Beaver Wars, where the Mohawk sought control over fur resources.

1609: First documented encounter with Europeans during Samuel de Champlain's expedition, leading to conflict.
1614: Establishment of Dutch trading posts, initiating significant fur trade relations.
1635: Devastating smallpox epidemic significantly reduced the Mohawk population.
1666: French military action against Mohawk villages led to the acceptance of Jesuit missionaries.

Alliances and Conflicts

Throughout the colonial period, the Mohawk navigated complex relationships with European powers. They allied with the Dutch and later the English, often using firearms obtained through trade to assert dominance over rival Indigenous groups. Their involvement in conflicts like the Pequot War and King Philip's War shaped regional dynamics.

French and Indian War: Maintained partnership with the British, exemplified by figures like Sir William Johnson.
American Revolutionary War: Primarily allied with the British due to treaty relationships and concerns over colonial expansion, leading to displacement after the war.
War of 1812: Fought alongside the British against the United States.

Post-Revolutionary Era

Following the American Revolution, the Treaty of Canandaigua (1794) formally recognized Mohawk land rights in New York, but significant migrations occurred. Many Mohawks relocated to Canada, establishing communities like Six Nations of the Grand River and settlements near Montreal, while others maintained ties to their ancestral lands in New York.

Language: Kanyen'kéha

Linguistic Heritage

The Mohawk language, Kanyen'kéha, is a member of the Northern Iroquoian language family. It is characterized as a polysynthetic language, where complex ideas can be expressed through single, elaborate words.

Standardization and Use

A standardized orthography was established in 1993, facilitating the preservation and teaching of the language. Efforts continue today to revitalize and maintain Kanyen'kéha within communities, often supported by educational programs and cultural initiatives.

Cultural Fabric

Social Organization

Mohawk society traditionally operates under a matrilineal kinship system, where lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother's line. The society is structured around three main clans: Bear (Ohkwa:ri), Turtle (A'nó:wara), and Wolf (Okwaho). Marriage within the same clan is traditionally prohibited.

Spiritual Beliefs

Traditional Mohawk religion is largely animistic, often centered around a primordial conflict between good and evil. Many continue to practice the Longhouse Religion, associated with the teachings of Handsome Lake. Catholicism also holds significant influence, with figures like Saint Kateri Tekakwitha being prominent.

Traditional Beliefs: Animism, focus on balance and spiritual forces.
Longhouse Religion: Adherence to the teachings of Handsome Lake, emphasizing moral conduct and community.
Catholicism: Significant presence due to historical missionary work, with notable figures like St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

Traditional Attire

Historically, Mohawk attire varied seasonally. Men typically wore breechcloths, leggings, and shirts made from deerskin, often adorned with quillwork and beads. Women wore deerskin skirts or dresses. Moccasins were common footwear for both. European contact introduced cloth materials, leading to blended styles.

Notable Figures

Historical Leaders

Throughout history, numerous Mohawk individuals have held significant influence:

Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea): Military and political leader during the late 18th century.
Molly Brant (Degonwadonti): Influential leader and sister of Joseph Brant.
Hendrick Tejonihokarawa: Chief who visited Queen Anne in England.
Hiawatha: Legendary co-founder of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

Cultural Contributors

Notable figures in arts and culture include:

E. Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake): Renowned poet, author, and performer.
Oronhyatekha: Prominent physician and scholar.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha: The first Native American Catholic saint.

Mohawk Ironworkers

Skywalkers of New York

From the mid-20th century, Mohawk men, particularly from Kahnawà:ke, gained renown as highly skilled ironworkers ("skywalkers") in New York City's construction industry. They played a crucial role in building iconic structures like the Empire State Building and the World Trade Center.

Skill and Resilience

Their apparent fearlessness at heights and dedication to their craft were well-documented. Despite often facing lower wages and limited union access initially, they formed specialized companies and continued their tradition, contributing significantly to the skyline and participating in rescue and rebuilding efforts after the September 11th attacks.

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References

Johannes Megapolensis Jr., "A Short Account of the Mohawk Indians." Short Account of the Mohawk Indians, August 2017, 168

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mohawk people Wikipedia page

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Important Considerations

A Note on this Resource

This page was generated by an AI, drawing information from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and respect for the subject matter, this content is a simplified overview and cannot replace the depth of knowledge held within the Mohawk (Kanien'kehá:ka) communities themselves.

This is not a substitute for Indigenous knowledge or primary sources. For a deeper understanding, consult official community resources, engage with Mohawk historians and cultural bearers, and refer to scholarly works grounded in Indigenous perspectives. Always approach information about Indigenous cultures with respect and a commitment to learning from authentic voices.

Guardians of the Eastern Door

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Identity: Kanien'kehá:ka 🌳

🗣️ The People of Flint

🤝 Confederacy Members

🌍 Population Distribution

Mohawk Communities 🏘️

📍 Geographical Clusters

🏛️ Governance Structures

Historical Trajectory ⏳

🧭 Early Encounters

⚔️ Alliances and Conflicts

➡️ Post-Revolutionary Era

Language: Kanyen'kéha 🗣️

💬 Linguistic Heritage

✍️ Standardization and Use

Cultural Fabric woven

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Social Organization

🙏 Spiritual Beliefs

👗 Traditional Attire

Notable Figures ⭐

👑 Historical Leaders

🎨 Cultural Contributors

Mohawk Ironworkers 🏗️

🏙️ Skywalkers of New York

💪 Skill and Resilience

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Important Considerations ⚠️

📜 A Note on this Resource

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Identity: Kanien'kehá:ka

The People of Flint

Confederacy Members

Population Distribution

Mohawk Communities

Geographical Clusters

Governance Structures

Historical Trajectory

Early Encounters

Alliances and Conflicts

Post-Revolutionary Era

Language: Kanyen'kéha

Linguistic Heritage

Standardization and Use

Cultural Fabric

Social Organization

Spiritual Beliefs

Traditional Attire

Notable Figures

Historical Leaders

Cultural Contributors

Mohawk Ironworkers

Skywalkers of New York

Skill and Resilience

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Considerations

A Note on this Resource