Kemdikbud International
Home Public Figure Top 10 Celebrities with Mohawk Heritage

Top 10 Celebrities with Mohawk Heritage

By - January 2, 2024, 9:56 am
The Iroquois ( IRR-ə-kwoy or IRR-ə-kwah), also known as the Five Nations or the Six Nations and by the endonym Haudenosaunee ( HOH-din-oh-SHOH-nee; meaning "people who are building the longhouse"), are an Iroquoian-speaking confederacy of Native Americans and First Nations peoples in northeast North America and Upstate New York. They were known during the colonial years to the French as the "Iroquois League", and later as the "Iroquois Confederacy". The English called them the "Five Nations", including (east to west) the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca. After 1722, the Iroquoian-speaking Tuscarora from the southeast were accepted into the confederacy, which became known as the Six Nations. The Confederacy likely came about between the years 1450 CE and 1660 CE as a result of the Great Law of Peace, said to have been composed by Deganawidah the Great Peacemaker, Hiawatha, and Jigonsaseh the Mother of Nations. For nearly 200 years, the Six Nations/Haudenosaunee Confederacy were a powerful factor in North American colonial policy, with some scholars arguing for the concept of the Middle Ground, in that European powers were used by the Iroquois just as much as Europeans used them. At its peak around 1700, Iroquois power extended from what is today New York State, north into present-day Ontario and Quebec along the lower Great Lakes–upper St. Lawrence, and south on both sides of the Allegheny mountains into present-day Virginia and Kentucky and into the Ohio Valley. The St. Lawrence Iroquoians, Wendat (Huron), Erie, and Susquehannock, all independent peoples known to the European colonists, also spoke Iroquoian languages. They are considered Iroquoian in a larger cultural sense, all being descended from the Proto-Iroquoian people and language. Historically, however, they were competitors and enemies of the Iroquois Confederacy nations.In 2010, more than 45,000 enrolled Six Nations people lived in Canada, and over 81,000 in the United States.

Most Famous Mohawk People

Mohawk’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Mohawk community is an indigenous group with a long and rich history. They are one of the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy and are known for their distinctive language, traditions, and cultural practices. The Mohawk people mainly reside in Quebec and Ontario in Canada, as well as in New York State in the United States. Throughout history, the Mohawk community has made significant contributions to various fields, including art, spirituality, and politics. Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Mohawk heritage.

1. Mohawk Ironworkers

Perhaps one of the most recognized contributions of the Mohawk community is their involvement in the ironworking industry. Since the late 19th century, Mohawk ironworkers have played a vital role in the construction of iconic skyscrapers and bridges in North America. With their expertise in high-altitude construction, Mohawk ironworkers are widely respected for their bravery and exceptional skills. Today, descendants of the Mohawk community continue to excel in this field, with many contributing to the construction of major landmarks across the continent.

2. Longhouse Tradition

The Mohawk people have a deep spiritual connection to the natural world and have preserved their traditional longhouse way of life through the generations. The longhouse is a significant symbol of Mohawk culture and acts as a communal gathering place for ceremonies, celebrations, and important discussions. Built from natural materials like bark and wood, the longhouse represents unity and respect for the environment. The Mohawk community’s commitment to preserving their longhouse tradition is a testament to their identity and cultural resilience.

3. Wampum Belts

Wampum belts are another essential aspect of Mohawk heritage. Wampum refers to small cylindrical beads made from the shells of quahog clams, which are strung together to create intricate patterns. These belts hold great significance as they are not only decorative but also serve as historical records and symbols of agreements in Mohawk diplomacy. Wampum belts were traditionally used to document treaties, alliances, and important events in the Mohawk community’s history. Today, these belts continue to be cherished as treasured artifacts that preserve the Mohawk people’s traditions and connections to their ancestors.

  • Mohawk Ironworkers
  • Longhouse Tradition
  • Wampum Belts

Ethnic Factsheet: The Mohawk People

Location Population Percentage
Total Mohawk
Canada 37,890,261 30,000 0.08%
United States 331,002,651 8,000 0.002%
New York 19,453,561 3,500 0.02%
Quebec 8,537,674 20,000 0.23%
The Mohawk people (Mohawk: Kanienʼkehá꞉ka) are the most easterly section of the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois Confederacy. They are an Iroquoian-speaking Indigenous people of North America, with communities in southeastern Canada and northern New York State, primarily around Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. As one of the five original members of the Iroquois League, the Mohawk are known as the Keepers of the Eastern Door – the traditional guardians of the Iroquois Confederation against invasions from the east. At the time of European contact the Mohawk people were based in the valley of the Mohawk River in present-day upstate New York, west of the Hudson River. Their territory ranged north to the St. Lawrence River, southern Quebec and eastern Ontario; south to greater New Jersey and into Pennsylvania; eastward to the Green Mountains of Vermont; and westward to the border with the Iroquoian Oneida Nation's traditional homeland territory.

The Ancient Heritage of Mohawk Ethnic Groups

References to the Mohawk Ethnic Group

For those interested in learning more about the Mohawk ethnic group, there are several references and resources available to dig deeper into their history, culture, and current affairs. These resources provide a wealth of information to gain a better understanding of the Mohawk people and their contributions to society.

  • Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs Website: The official website of the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs provides information on the governance structure, history, culture, and current events of the Iroquoian-speaking Mohawk people. It offers valuable insights into their traditions, ceremonies, and land rights.

  • “Mohawk Interruptus: Political Life Across the Borders of Settler States” by Audra Simpson: This book delves deep into the political life and struggles of the Mohawk people as they navigate the borders between the United States and Canada. It explores Mohawk sovereignty, land tenure, and identity in the context of settler colonialism.

  • “Empire of the Bay: An Illustrated History of the Hudson’s Bay Company” by Peter C. Newman: This book provides insights into the historical relationship between the Mohawk people and the Hudson’s Bay Company. It explores how the Mohawks became pivotal players in the fur trade and showcases their interactions with European colonizers.

  • Mohawk Language Resources: To gain a deeper understanding of the Mohawk language, there are various resources available online. Websites such as Transparent Language and FirstVoices provide lessons, dictionaries, and interactive materials for learning the language. These resources offer a chance to explore the linguistic heritage of the Mohawk people.

  • “The Mohawk That Refused to Bow: A Biography of Karoniaktajeh” by John P. Weiser: This biography tells the story of Karoniaktajeh, a Mohawk chief who played a significant role in Mohawk politics and the revitalization of indigenous cultures during the 19th century. It provides a personal account of Mohawk leadership and resistance.

By exploring these references and resources, individuals can gain a deeper appreciation for the Mohawk ethnic group’s rich history, cultural traditions, and modern-day issues. They offer valuable insights into the Mohawk people’s struggle for sovereignty, their contributions to trade and politics, and their ongoing efforts to preserve their language and cultural heritage.

Explore other famous people with Deccani, Ganda and Harari roots, showcasing the diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Delving into the lives of notable figures from various ethnic backgrounds associated with these Mohawk roots reveals the intricate web of connections between global cultures and their significant contributions to the world.

That concludes the information we can provide about famous Mohawk individuals. Thank you for reading.

Famous peopleMohawk
Comment
Share:
Next

Prev

Artikel Terkait

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ad

Don't show again Yes, I would!