HISTORY

History of Akwesasne

The Mohawk are traditionally known as the keepers of the eastern door of the Iroquios Confederacy also known as the Haudenausee Confederacy. The original homeland of the Mohawk ranged from southern Canada through New York and even into Vermont. Prior to European contact Mohawk settlements populated what is now Mohawk Valley tough their influence was felt as far south as Manhattan. The Mohawks prospered during the 1600's due to the fur trade between Albany and Montreal giving them considerable influence among the other tribes.