SS - Unit 2

The Mohawk Tribe

What is the Mohawk Tribe?

The Mohawk Tribe is the easternmost tribe and is known as the ¨keepers of the eastern door.¨ The Mohawk tribe were a hunting, fishing and farming people who traveled extensively along the Mohawk and Hudson rivers. Women engaged in agriculture and worked at home while the men went out and hunted. This system is called semi sedentary. And they were fond of it. And lived by it. The Mohawk tribe spoke in the Iroquoian language. The Mohawk called themselves the 'Kanienkahagen', meaning the "people of the flint" in reference to a mighty arrow with a powerful flint that features in their creation story. The name Mohawk was given by their enemies and derives from the Algonquian word 'Mohowawog' meaning "eaters of men", referring to their practice of ceremonial cannibalism in order to absorb the strength of their enemies.

Describing The Mohawk Tribe; What made them unique?

The Mohawk Tribe used to use cruel tactics for everything they did including cannibalism but when new tribes combined that soon changed. Now the tribe is more peaceful. The Mohawk became allied to the British against the French during the long French and Indian Wars (1689 - 1763). After the American Revolution, most of the Mohawk relocated to Canada, where the vast majority still are located today.

What was the impact on this Nation because of Westward Expansion?

They changed their cruel punishments and ways to something that was more fair and made sense to people. That's why this tribe is still around today. Moving west made them expand on their nation and change their ways and improved on them. This truly shows the impact on people because of Westward Expansion.