Exploring Kahnawá:ke, an Indigenous community near Montréal

Kahnawá:ke is one of eight territories that make up the Mohawk Nation. The community is also a founding nation of the Haudenosaunee (People of the Longhouse), commonly referred to as Iroquois. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy is comprised of six other sovereign nations, including the Seneca, Tuscarora, Cayuga, Onondaga, and Oneida Nations. Historians recognize the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation as a steward of Tiohtià:ke (Montréal). Moreover, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy has strong historical and archeological ties to the area. The community of Kahnawá:ke has a vibrant culture and rich history that attracts many visitors from around the world.

Here is a list of destinations that are musts to explore in Kahnawá:ke

Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow wow

The annual Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow wow is held in July to commemorate the 1990 Oka Crisis and brings together Indigenous communities from across Turtle Island (North America). This major cultural event offers an array of fun and exciting activities as well as dozens of Indigenous craft booths and a variety of food vendors. Every year, thousands of people attend this highly anticipated gathering to celebrate Indigenous music, dance, food and arts and crafts.

Since 1991, the pow wow has taken place on Tekakwitha Island on the closest weekend to July 11 to mark the Oka Crisis which lasted 78 days. The event promotes friendship and sharing between Kahnawake, its neighbours and, of course, visitors from all parts of the world.

Church and Shrine of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

The shrine of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is located at the Saint Francis Xavier Mission Catholic Church. ‘Lily of the Mohawks’, as Kateri was known, was a young Mohawk woman who was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. The saint’s tomb is found to the right of the main altar and is open for mass every Sunday. Visitors can also check out the Saint Kateri Interpretive Centre, a museum based on the life and afterlife of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha and is located next door to the mission. Tours will begin in March and will be available Monday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They can be booked at kahnawaketourism.com.

Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitiohkwa Language and Cultural Center

Inaugurated in 1978, the Language and Cultural Center was built to preserve and revitalize Kahnawá:ke’s unique cultural heritage. The centre has now embarked on its next phase with the construction of a multimillion-dollar state-of-the-art multi-purpose building and auditorium that will house a museum, the Turtle Island Theatre Company and a Tourism Visitors Centre that will serve as a community hub.

In the meantime, the centre has a temporary location in the community where visitors will be delighted by the many Kanien’kéha (Mohawk language) and English books from its considerable library.

The centre also has a permanent exhibit in its museum that explores the rich culture and history of the Mohawks, beginning with the foundation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy to the 1990 Oka Crisis.

The cultural center also has an extensive photo archive of the community and its people going back almost a century, while the museum has a number of art exhibitions that feature the work of local and non-local Indigenous artists. Guided tours of the centre and its different attractions can be booked on kahnawaketourism.com.

The annual Kahnawà:ke Winter Carnival, which takes place at the end of January, offers two full weeks of family-friendly indoor and outdoor activities, sports competitions and cultural events. 

During July, Kahnawá:ke Tourism hosts an annual Strawberry Food Fest, culminating with a special event. The festival was originally created to promote traditional food and culture and coincides with the Mohawk cycle of ceremonies.

The Kahnawake Brewing Company is the first-ever microbrewery to open in Kahnawake, offering a wide selection of craft beers. The brewery served its first pint of beer on St. Patrick's Day in 2018. In 2023, KBC won a gold medal at the Canadian Brewing Awards and followed it up with another gold and two silver medals at the Canada Beer Cup award the following year.  

Tóta Ma's Café is a social enterprise launched by the Achieving Concrete Essentials program in collaboration with Tewatohnhi'sáktha. The purpose of this low-waste café is to offer beverages with Indigenous roots, provide unique local employment opportunities, and promote tourism in the community.

At Screaming Chef Cuisine, customers are welcomed by the creative influence of owner and Kanien'kehá:ka chef Ryland Diome. The restaurant serves up reimagined Indigenous dishes crafted with local and seasonal ingredients.

Two O Seven Steak & Seafood: The restaurant can host receptions for up to 100 people. The restaurant offers AAA steaks, seafood, pasta dishes, and homemade desserts.

Kaienthókwen was founded by Kahtehrón:ni Stacey and offers food products grown and harvested by Indigenous people. It sells traditional items like corn, squash, and pumpkin alongside contemporary products such as wild rice pancake mixes and wild blueberry syrup.