Kahnawake 

Sekon!

Welcome to Kahnawake, a Mohawk community located 10 minutes south of Montreal, Quebec on the banks of the St. Lawrence river.

Kahnawake is the home of the Kanienke’haka of the Mohawk Nation.6989954-kahnawake (2)
We are part of the Iroquois Confederacy, a union of 6 Nations, the Mohawk, Onedia, Onondaga, Cayuga, Tuscarora, and Seneca who devised a system of governance known as the Great Law of Peace.
Our philosophies, our way of life and our uniqueness are based on the Great law, our Creation story, and our treaties instructing us on governance, our responsibilities as human beings, and our relations with other nations. Our territory extends from what is now known as Vermont to Ontario, and from Upper New York State to Southern Quebec.
The Mohawks are “the People of the Flint” and the “Keepers of the Eastern Door.” Historically this made Kahnawake the door to the west and an important hub for trade, dating back to pre-European contact.
In 1667, our people established a community on the northern part of the Territory at Kentake, now known as Laprairie Quebec to re-assert Iroquois rights and jurisdiction. It was here that the first mission was built. In an effort to avoid European contact, the community moved four times from 1667 to 1716 to finally settle at its present location, Kahnawake, meaning “On the rapids”.
We are a community of 8,000 people with a vibrant culture and powerful history. We are world renowned as Ironworkers, the builders of the many skyscrapers seen throughout many North American cities. Our community boasts many active and veteran military personnel from either the Canadian or American armed services who fought in all the major wars. We operate many of our own community run services including Mohawk Government, judicial services, educational services, health and social services, and financial services and contribute to the economy with over 250 businesses.
We strive to preserve our culture and language through exhibitions, workshops, festivals and other activities that promote who we are to the outside world.
We are a fiercely proud people and determined to protect our sovereignty and nationhood as Mohawk people.
We invite you to visit us and experience the Mohawk People