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The Mohawk Indians were an agricultural tribe with a matriarchal society and a sense of community ownership. They were skilled craftsmen and had a close alliance with Dutch settlers. Many still live in Quebec and run autonomous governments in Canada and the US, preserving their traditional values and operating successful casinos.
The Mohawk Indians are a Native American and First Nation tribe, originally inhabiting the northeastern parts of North America. Part of the powerful Six Nations alliance, the Mohawk Indians were primarily an agricultural culture. Today, the Mohawk Indians maintain a vibrant culture that honors their long past while vigorously campaigning for a better future.
A more stationary group than the nomadic Plains Indians, the Mohawks were notable for their impressive long dwellings. These log frame homes could accommodate extended families and were notable for their sturdy construction. Also distinct from many other Native American cultures, these longhouses were owned by a clan, rather than an individual. This inherent sense of community ownership permeated much of Mohawk culture and tradition.
Spectacular craftsmen, the Mohawk Indians were known for creating beautiful beaded belts, carved masks, and highly decorated musical instruments. Music and storytelling were vital parts of tribal life, a tradition that continues today. In addition to the decorative arts, skilled craftsmen also made hunting weapons, canoes and built the longhouses.
Women in Mohawk society enjoyed considerable power and freedom. A matriarchal society, life was run by clan mothers, who chose a group of men to serve as tribal leaders. Lineage was determined through the female line and the Mohawks trace their heritage to one of the three original female clans known as the Turtle, Bear and Wolf. Women were also primarily responsible for farming, while men were in charge of hunting game.
Early Dutch settlers formed a close alliance with the Mohawk Indians, leading to some benefits for the tribe. The Mohawks fought fiercely against the French colonists and their Native American allies, the Algonquins, who had been enemies of the Mohawks for centuries. After a major defeat by the French, the Mohawks agreed to terms that included accepting Jesuit missionaries into the tribes. This has led to some conversion to Christianity within the tribe; some Mohawks even agreed to move into settlements after conversion.
As the wave of European immigrants became overwhelming, many Mohawks moved to the relatively empty lands of modern-day Quebec, where many still live today. Those who stayed mostly stayed close to their ancestral homelands in New York, settling in for an uphill struggle against the frequently changing settlement governments. Today, the Mohawks run autonomous governments in both Canada and the United States.
Modern Mohawk tribes operate several reservations that have self-government. While largely integrated into American and Canadian society, many members of the Mohawk tribe remain committed to preserving the traditional values inherent in their culture. Like many self-governing tribes, some Mohawk reservations operate successful casinos that generate revenue for reservation enhancement and the preservation of history and culture.
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