Mohawk (Kanien’kehà:ka)

With more than 20,706 members, the Mohawk are one of the most populous indigenous nations in Québec. They are grouped into three communities: Kahnawake, Akwesasne and Kanesatake.

Explore the interactive map to access detailed information about the various Indigenous nations and communities throughout the territory of Quebec.

English is the language used by the Mohawk. Many speak Mohawk (Kanien’kéhà) ^{Read the content of the note 1} , and a growing number of members speak French.

The Mohawk are one of the Iroquois nations that, before the arrival of the Europeans, formed the Five Nations Confederacy. The socio-political system of the Confederacy, which was democratic and autonomous, was very complex. Like other Iroquois nations, Mohawk society was matrilineal, meaning that the clan’s kinship and identity were passed down through the maternal line. In the 19th century, the Mohawk began specializing in sought-after trades. Many were paddlers for transportation companies, at a time when boats had to cross the Lachine Rapids to get from Montréal to the Great Lakes. The Mohawk were considered experts in this area.

Kahnawake, located near Montréal, on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, has managed most of its community activities for the last several years. It has a financial institution, the Caisse populaire de Kahnawake, and many private businesses. 

The proper term to use when referring to the Mohawks is Kanien'kehá:ka, which means "People of the Chert", while the word kená:ie expresses the pride of being Kanien'kehá:ka.

Corn (ó:nenhste), beans (ohsahè:ta) and squash (onon’onsera), known as "the three sisters", hold an important place in Mohawk culture. According to the Creation Story, these three foods allowed the nation to survive.

Peace is a fundamental value of the Kanien'kehá:ka nation. Thanks to the laws established, the nation has remained united and resilient over the generations.

The social dance songs of the Haudenosaunee people are considered to be a gift from the nation's Creator, given to them as a way of gathering together, sharing and celebrating key moments with each other.

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