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Mohawk (Canada)

Mohawk Warriors Society
Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

See also:

Canada - First Nations

Mohawk Warriors Society

by Maqtewe'kpaqtism

Adaptive Use

A group Micmacs from Listiguj (formerly known as Ristigouche) in Quebec (Gaspesie region) have been blocking the entrance to a "scierie" (lumber mill) for the last few days.

Strangely, I have not seen any Micmac flag on TV, in fact I don't recall any of the three Micmac communities of Quebec using any of the two known Micmac flags (see Don Healy's Native site).

Even more strange is the fact that the flags I have seen are the American flag and the Mohawk [See editor's note, below] flag. One American flag seemed defaced like the Canadian flag we often see defaced with a Native Canadian/American, though I'm not sure I saw correctly.

Don Healy in his terrific book on Native Americans (contact NAVA) mentions that the Mohawk flag has become common as a sign of protest throughout the Iroquois League. Though the Micmac are not part of this league (they speak an Algonquian language), perhaps this is also just a sign of protest and a sign of warning to the authorities to remind them of the Oka Mohawk crisis of 1990.
Luc Baronian - 7 August 1998

Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

by Rick Wyatt

Interpretation of the Flag of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

The Colours

Derived from the colours used in the wampum belts:
White: Emblem of something good, of peace and purity
Purple: Emblem of more important affairs of a civic nature.

The Eagle (A:kweks)

Because of his ability to see afar, the Peacemaker placed him at the top of the Great Tree of Peace. If he sees in the distance any evil approaching of any danger threatening, he will at once warn the Houdenosaunee, the People of the Confederacy

The Silver Chain

A covenant which represents the relationship between the Houdenosaunee, which the Mohawk Nation is a member, and the Europeans. This relationship was to be "pure, strong, and untarnished" as the silver of the chain. The tradition behind the silver chain is important as it recognizes a need for the continuous attention to "polish" the chain and keep it in a healthy condition. Together these symbolize the need for continuous dialog between the Mohawk Nation and other government to maintain the health of their relationship and to deal with current issues.

The Circle

Symbolizes the Great Peace and the Great Law (Kayenerenhkowa) that was established by the Five Nations of the Houdenosaunee. It is provided thus: There are now the Five Nations League Chiefs standing with joined hands in a circle...be firm so that if a tree should fall upon your joined hands, it should not separate you or weaken your hold. So shall the strength of your union be preserved.

Information from: Tyendinaga Mohawk website
researched by Phil Nelson, 12 August 1999