"Land Where the Partridge Drums"
Akwesasne is a
Mohawk community that has many unique
attributes. The Racquette River flows into the St. Lawrence River
within Akwesasne Mohawk territory. Located where Ontario, Quebec,
and New York State intersect, the community pre-dates the US/Canadian
border. The Racquette
River, (Ah na wá: te or Rapid River in the Mohawk language), has
been a part of life for the people of Akwesasne since time immemorial.
Mohawk history and culture is
thousands of years old, even
while present-day life in the community encompasses all facets of
modern-day life. Tourists can visit the Akwesasne Museum to
increase their knowledge and understanding of the continuing culture
and history of Akwesasne Mohawks. Tsionkwanati:io Heritage Center
is the site for various special events throughout the year,
including a North Country Fiddlers’ Fling. Ronathahonni Cultural
Center offers Mohawk
cultural interpretion to visitors. The
A’nowara’ko:wa Arena
hosts sports
events and the annual Akwesasne
International Powwow usually held in
September.
There
are many opportunities for visitors to learn about Akwesasne or to
simply enjoy an outing to the area. The Akwesasne Museum’s
Sweetgrass Giftshop is one of many giftshops along Rte. 37 where Native
American art and crafts can be purchased. Various restaurants are
available for family style dining. Lodging is available
at the Wolf Clan restaurant and gas station complex. A bed and
breakfast with a limited number of rooms is presently open on the McGee
Rd. The
Akwesasne Mohawk
Casino and the Mohawk Bingo Palace offer games of chance. The
casino also has a generous buffet for dining.
The
St. Regis Mohawk
Tribal Council’s Environment Division
is located directly on the shores of the Racquette River. The
environmental programs of all Akwesasne Mohawk governments strive to
combat the negative effects that have damaged the environment, and also
to protect Mohawk cultural uses of the environment. Akwesasne
Task Force on the Environment (ATFE), the Haudenosaunee Task Force on
the Environment (HTFE) and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Department
of Environment are located across the territory of Akwesasne.
The Racquette River is a rich
facet of our culture,
environment, and history. You are welcome to make Akwesasne a
part of your journey along the Racquette River.
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