Mohawk Warrior Society facts for kids

The Rotisken’rakéhte, also known as the Mohawk Warrior Society, is a group of Mohawk people from Kahnawake, Québec, Canada. They work to protect and stand up for their traditional lands and rights. Sometimes, they do this by setting up roadblocks or occupying areas to show their claim to the land.

The society started in 1971. They became well-known in 1973 when they, along with other Indigenous activists, had a peaceful standoff with the police in Kahnawake. They were also a big part of the Oka Crisis in 1990, another important event where they stood up for their land. Members of this group are often called Warriors.

The Mohawk Warrior Flag

The Mohawk Warrior Flag was created by Karoniaktajeh Louis Hall in 1974. Louis Hall was an artist, writer, and activist from Kahnawake.

When it was first made, the flag was called the "unity flag" or "Indian flag." It showed an Indigenous man with long hair, with a yellow sunburst and a red banner behind him. In the 1980s, the design changed. The man was replaced with a Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) warrior.

This flag became very famous during the Oka Crisis. It is now a strong symbol for the Kanien’kehá:ka people, showing their strength and their fight for their rights.

Images for kids

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  Mohawk Warrior Society flag at Beyond NoDAPL March on Washington, DC.

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  NoDAPL March on Washington, DC.

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  Brother of Leonard Peltier speaking at Standing Rock and Beyond NoDAPL March on Washington, DC.

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  Beyond NoDAPL March on Washington, DC.