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Akwesasne Mohawk
Meet the People
Mohawk identity has in many ways remained the same for centuries. Today, they continue to maintain their cultural values and the connection to their history.
Key Terms
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Annual ring
The concentric ring of wood formed over a year of a tree’s growth, observable when the tree is cut.
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Overharvesting
Excessive harvesting that damages the resource.
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Range
The geographic area a species can be found.
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Haudenosaunee (Iroquois)
An organization of five (later six) Native nations who historically lived throughout what is now New York State. The Six Nations today includes the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora tribes.
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Confederacy
An alliance formed between individual states or nations for mutual support or common political or military action.
Video Transcript (PDF)
Explore: Territory Maps
Circa 1730, the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy held territories covering much of today's New York State, giving them access to vast resources, including a large range of black ash.
Today, Mohawk territory is much smaller than the original homelands. Other communities exist in Canada, but Akwesasne is the only Mohawk community in the U.S. recognized by the federal government.
The black ash range is expansive, from west of the Great Lakes to the east throughout New England. Black ash is also found in parts of Southern Canada and as far south as Tennessee.
Federal quarantines help slow the spread of emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation. Even so, parts of western New York are already infected, which is why Akwesasne works hard to protect trees around them.
Circa 1730
Mohawk Today
Black Ash Range
EAB Infestation
Try These Questions
These are three of the steps used to make black-ash splint baskets. What is their correct order?
A) Pounding, splitting, bundling
B) Bundling, splitting, pounding
C) Pounding, bundling, splitting
That is correct!
A harvested log is pounded to separate annual growth rings. Once separated, strips are rolled into bundles, then split into thinner layers used to weave baskets.
What makes black ash important to the Mohawk peoples’ efforts to keep their culture alive today?
A) They use black ash in basket making, a traditional art form
B) They plan to eliminate the trees before emerald ash borers arrive
C) They use parts of black ash trees to make a medicinal tea
That is correct!
Answer B is incorrect. Mohawk people are working hard to protect the black ash from the emerald ash borer.
True or false? The Thanksgiving Address is a speech given on the fourth Thursday of November each year.
True
False
That is correct!
The Thanksgiving Address is a prayer and acknowledgment that brings people together and gives thanks to the creator of all things. Mohawk people recite it before gatherings or events.
Submit your answer
Next: Our Homeland
Story Project Planner
Choose Images for Story Project
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Image 1 of 9
Toggle Favorite Basketmaking is an important traditional...
Basketmaking is an important traditional art form that has been practiced in Akwesasne for generations. At the turn of the last century, women and some men made and sold baskets to help support their families. Today, elders still teach children how to harvest black ash and make baskets. c.1900
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Image 2 of 9
Toggle Favorite This basket was made by Mohawk artist Ma...
This basket was made by Mohawk artist Mary Adams in 1985. It is called a "fancy" or ornamental basket because it was designed for sale, not for use. Note the many curls and miniature sweetgrass baskets on the sides. These unique details are considered the "mark" or signature of the basketmaker. 1985
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Image 3 of 9
Toggle Favorite This burden or pack basket by Jake Arque...
This burden or pack basket by Jake Arquette is designed with thick splints strong enough to carry heavy items like tools, food, or branches. Hunters, trappers, and snowsho*rs often wore these on their backs to haul important gear into the woods. 1979
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Image 4 of 9
Toggle Favorite Black ash trees grow slowly. This stand ...
Black ash trees grow slowly. This stand of saplings in a wetland on the Akwesasne reservation will need 40 or 50 years to fully mature. c. 2000
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Image 5 of 9
Toggle Favorite "A lot of basketmakers in Akwesasne are ...
Sue Ellen Herne, program coordinator, Akwesasne Museum
"A lot of basketmakers in Akwesasne are still making baskets, and it's part of their livelihood and it's a continuing part of our culture."
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Image 6 of 9
Toggle Favorite "You have got to take responsibility. It...
Maxine Cole, teacher, Akwesasne Freedom School
"You have got to take responsibility. It doesn't matter what the next person does or doesn't do. It's about what you do. And that's really important."
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Image 7 of 9
Toggle Favorite "If the emerald ash borer moves in and w...
Richard David, basketmaker and assistant director, Department of Environment, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
"If the emerald ash borer moves in and wipes everything out, we're going to lose a big part of our culture."
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Image 8 of 9
Toggle Favorite "It's a long-term investment. If I plant...
Les Benedict, assistant director, Environment Division, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe
"It's a long-term investment. If I plant a tree today, I won't see the benefit of it, but the next generation will see the benefit of the trees."
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Image 9 of 9
Toggle Favorite Federal Quarantine Areas for Black Ash T...
Federal Quarantine Areas for Black Ash Trees
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