There’s a sense of pride that wasn’t there even ten years ago when I last visited the territory. Instead of catering to the tourists by wearing plains Indian buckskins, people at last year's powwow wore Mohawk regalia. The Iroquois Confederacy flag now flies on every flag pole, when before it was rare to see. Still missing, though, is the flag of the Mohawk people.
The brave's head in the yellow circle on the red backdrop was misrepresented in the press as a warrior cult flag when they saw it at Oka in 1990. During that standoff between police, the army, and individuals from that Mohawk reserve, connotations were put on the flag that makes it unhealthy to fly it. Now associated with rebellion instead of the nation, too many people are nervous about displaying it openly, for fear of repercussions.
I don’t get out to visit my neighbours down the highway as much as I used to. It’s a healthy thing to do, get a different perspective on the world and see it from the eyes of the people who were here before us. If you go to a territory don’t expect anything much in the way of excitement or “Indians.” Take your time and look closely, the signs may not be obvious, but there can be no doubt that you’ve crossed over into a different world.
Enjoy it, and hope that it continues to survive, and maybe soon, start to thrive.
Edited: LH and bhw
Article comments
1 - Cris Bomberry
Sago! Interesting site. One comment about the Mohawk Warrior Flag. It is not a Mohawk Warrior Flag. It is a Native Unity Flag or Warrior Flag. All nations, even outside of the Six Nations use this. It is just another one of those misrepresentations that still continues, just like the word "Indian" (I am sure glad Columbus wasn't looking for Turkey! hehe)
Also women cannot be clan chiefs, they are clan mothers who pick the chiefs.
Nia:Wen
Cris
Mohawk Bear Clan
2 - Richard Marcus
Hi Cris,
I was told by another member of the Bear Clan that the flag in question is the flag of the Mohawk people not a Warrior flag. It was at a PowWow in Kingston, Ont, and as the flags were being presented during the Grand Entry, this huge man came rolling up to the arbor. He waited until there was a pause in the action, and approached the M.C. and made this statement.
He is from a very traditional family, rare in this part of the world, and was visibly upset at hearing his flag be misrepresented as a "Warrior" flag-From that time in Kingston and all surounding Pow-Wows the flag has been flown in honour of the Mohawk peoples who live in the area.
Sorry about the caln chief thing, I worded that wrong-my mistake.
Nia:Wen
Richard