Akwesasne 59 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Iroquois Reserve 59
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| Iroquois of St Regis Indian Reserve No. 59 | |
 Iroquois Reserve 59
Location in Southern Ontario
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| Country |  Canada |
| Province |  Ontario |
| County | Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry |
| First Nation | Akwesasne |
| Area | |
| • Land | 11.86 km2 (4.58 sq mi) |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Total | incompletely enumerated |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
Kawehnò:ke, also known as Iroquois of St Regis Indian Reserve 59, is a special area of land in Ontario, Canada. It is a First Nations reserve, which means it is land set aside for Indigenous people. This reserve is part of a larger territory called Akwesasne, which belongs to the Mohawk people.
What makes Akwesasne unique is that it crosses international and provincial borders! It includes parts in Quebec, Canada, and New York, United States. Even though it is divided for things like counting people, the Mohawk people of Akwesasne see themselves as one united community.
Contents
Understanding Akwesasne
Akwesasne means "Land Where the Partridge Drums" in the Mohawk language. It is the traditional territory of the Mohawk people. They are one of the original nations of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. This Confederacy is a historic alliance of several Indigenous nations.
A Unique Border Situation
The Akwesasne territory is split into three main parts. These parts are divided by the borders of Canada and the United States.
- One part is in Ontario, Canada, known as Kawehnò:ke (Iroquois of St Regis Indian Reserve 59).
- Another part is in Quebec, Canada, called St Regis Indian Reserve.
- The third part is in New York, USA, known as the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation.
This division happened because of treaties and agreements made long ago. Despite these borders, the Mohawk people of Akwesasne share a common culture and government. They work together to manage their community.
Who are the Mohawk People?
The Mohawk people are part of the larger Iroquois Confederacy. They are known for their rich history and strong traditions. Their traditional lands covered parts of what is now New York and southeastern Canada.
The Mohawk people have a unique system of government. It is based on their traditional laws and customs. They have their own councils and leaders. These leaders make decisions for their community.
Life on the Reserve
Life on a First Nations reserve like Kawehnò:ke is special. The community works to keep its culture and language alive. Many people speak the Mohawk language, Kawehnà:ke.
The community has its own schools, health services, and businesses. These services help the people living on the reserve. The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is the local government. It works to improve life for everyone in Akwesasne.
Culture and Traditions
Mohawk culture is very important to the people of Akwesasne. They celebrate their heritage through ceremonies, stories, and art. Traditional crafts, like basket weaving and beadwork, are still practiced.
The Mohawk language is also a key part of their identity. Efforts are made to teach the language to younger generations. This helps to ensure their culture continues to thrive.
See Also
