Attractions

  

The historic mission was first established in 1667 when the Kanien'kehá:ha (Mohawk) community located to the northern part of the territory at Kentake, now known as LaPrairie, Quebec. The community moved four more times due to economic, agricultural, and political reasons to finally settle at its present site in 1716 at Kahnawà:ke which means "On the Rapids", and it was here a more permanent church was built in 1720. The Mission is surrounded by a Fort Saint-Louis, a fort that was erected in 1725 by the French in protection of the Christian Iroquois. Partial sections of the original fort walls still stand today.

The mission is the home of the Shrine of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha known as the "Lily of the Mohawks" a young Mohawk Woman who was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI, in 2012. Kateri's tomb can be found to the right of the main alter.

Tel:  450-632-6030  Fax:  450-632-6031  Visit them on 

Découvrez les Sanctuaires du Fleuve!  Pour plus d'information: www.sanctuairesdufleuve.com

Discover Saint Lawrence River Shrines!  For more information: www.stlawrencerivershrines.com

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  

 

In the interest of preserving Kahnawà:ke's unique cultural heritage, the Language and Cultural Center was established in 1978. The Center features a number of books in its extensive library, as well as a number of other resources for scholars, or for those who simply have a general interest in learning about the Kanien'keha:ka and Haudenosaunee People. The Center hosts a number of arts exhibits, featuring the works of local and other Native Artisans.  The Museum is open Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm for self guided tours.  Also, guided tours are available by request and for a small fee.

Tel:  450-638-0880  or visit:  Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Since 1991, the Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow-Wow has taken place on Tekakwitha Island, in Kahnawà:ke, on the closest weekend to July 11th; the anniversary of the start of the 1990 Mohawk standoff with Provincial and Federal forces.  In one sense, the annual event may commemorate "the Crisis", but at the same time, it does much to promote Native and non-Native Peoples alike.  The event also promotes an atmosphere of friendship between Kahnawà:ke and its neighbours, as well as with visitors from all parts of the world. Every year, thousands of people who come to this event are treated to a vast display of Native arts, crafts, native cuisine, song and dance.

Tel:  450-632-8667  or visit Kahnawake Pow Wow  or 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In 2007, Kahnawà:ke commemorated the 100th Anniversary of the 1907 Quebec Bridge Collapse; whereby 33 men from Kahnawà:ke died on that fateful day and three men survived. The Quebec Bridge, called the eight marvel of the world allowed the city of Quebec to open itself politically and economically to the rest of the world. The Bridge was designed to be the longest cantilever bridge in the world; to carry two railway tracks and a concrete sidewalk. On August 29, 1907 at 5:37 pm, the 19,000 ton south half of the bridge, cantilever arm and suspended span, fell as a whole. 86 men were working on the bridge at the time of the fall; only 11 of these men survived. Among these men were 25 Canadians, 17 Americans and 33 Ironworkers from Kahnawà:ke. Eight of these men were some of the finest Kahnawà:ke Lacrosse Players. The loss to Kahnawà:ke would be equal to losing 106 men today, representing 1.32% of the population at the time. No to mentioned the immense loss to families and our community.

On Monday, September 2nd, a funeral service was held in Kahnawà:ke for eight men, whose bodies were recovered. By 1910 a total of 18 men's remains were returned to Kahnawà:ke. A total of 40 bodies were never recovered (15 from Kahnawà:ke). A memorial stands in the Catholic Cemetery with the names of 12 men imprinted on the monument whose bodies were never recovered.  It is not know why three names were not listed.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

   

Members of our community have served in every modern conflict since WWI, in either the Canadian or American armed services.  A cenotaph stands across from the St. Francis Xavier Mission. The stoic monument lists the names of those Kahnawakeró:non (Mohawk Men & Woman from Kahnawà:ke) who courageously gave their lives in both World Wars and the Korean conflict. It is a testament to the courage and sense of duty which the people of the community exemplify. The army tank was delivered to Kahnawà:ke in the spring 2015 in honor of those who served in the Military. The Tank is exhibited in front of the Kahnawà:ke Legion Branch 219.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________