Karoniaktajeh Louis Hall facts for kids

Karoniaktajeh Louis Hall (born January 15, 1918 – died December 9, 1993) was an amazing Indigenous artist, writer, and activist. He was from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory. He is best known for designing the "Mohawk Warrior Flag." This flag is also called the "Unity Flag." It became a strong symbol of resistance for the Rotisken’rakéhte, or Mohawk Warrior Society. This happened during the 1990 Oka Crisis. Hall also worked hard to bring back the spiritual traditions of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois). He helped revive the Kanonsiononwe (Longhouse) culture. Hall was an expert on the Kaianera'kó:wa (Great Law of Peace). This is the constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy. He was also key in setting up the Ganienkeh Mohawk Territory.

Art and Activism

Louis Hall was one of the first Indigenous American artists of the 20th century. His art was very political. Hall taught himself how to paint. He was an important artist during the "Red Power" Movement. His artwork mixed traditional painting with political messages and graphic design.

Besides his visual art, Hall also published newsletters and books. Some of his books include A Tale of One Mohawk and The Warriors' Handbook. He also wrote Rebuilding the Iroquois Confederacy. Another important book was The Mohawk Warrior Society: A Handbook on Sovereignty and Survival. Most of Hall's art has not been shown in galleries or museums. The "Mohawk Warrior Flag" from 1990 is his most famous design.

Joining the American Indian Movement

Hall joined the American Indian Movement (AIM). This was a civil rights group for First Nations people in the United States and Canada. AIM worked to challenge unfair treatment against Native North Americans. Hall designed a poster for AIM in 1973. He was involved in many parts of AIM's work. Through AIM, he fought to bring back traditional government and Longhouse ideas to Kahnawake.

The First Unity Flag

Before the Oka Crisis, Hall helped reclaim traditional Ganienkeh territory. This land is in New York State. This happened in 1974. Hall was a spokesperson for the Moss Lake Council. Native Americans said the Ganienkeh Territory was huge. They claimed it stretched over 9 million acres from New York to Vermont. They believed the land was taken illegally in 1797.

During this time, Hall created the first "Unity Flag." It showed the outline of a long-haired Native man. A red and white sunburst was behind him. Hall said the flag was "Designed for all Indian nations." He explained that the single feather meant 'all of one mind.' He added that Deganawida wanted all Indigenous people to follow the Great Law of Peace. Deganawida, also known as The Great Peacemaker, founded the Iroquois Confederacy.

The Mohawk Warrior Flag

The newer and more famous "Unity Flag" was designed by Hall in 1990. This was during the Oka Crisis. It became a symbol of resistance at blockades. These blockades were in Kanesatake and Kahnawake territories. This new flag replaced the long-haired man. It now showed a Kanien’kehá:ka warrior. The first flag was for all Indigenous Americans. This new flag was made specifically for the Rotisken’rakéhte, or Mohawk Warrior Society. Hall described this flag as a visual symbol of the Kaianera'kó:wa (Great Law of Peace).

Legacy and Impact

Louis Karoniaktajeh Hall passed away on December 9, 1993. He was 76 years old. He died at his home in the Mohawk community of Kahnawake.

Hall's art and activism are still remembered today. The "Unity Flag" has become a very important symbol. It stands for peace and resistance. You can find it on stickers, key chains, clothing, and banners. The "Unity Flag" has also been used in more recent civil rights movements.

For example, it was seen during the Esgenoôpetitj "fishing dispute." This was between 1999 and 2002. The Mi'kmaq people flew the "Unity Flag." They were defending their right to fish, harvest, and hunt their natural resources. The flag was also present at pipeline protests at Standing Rock. It was seen at rallies during Idle No More. It even appeared at some 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.