Thank you for having me. A little info: Born and raised in the Mohawk Valley, and part of my heritage is tied back there a long ways. Im an MA student at University of Iceland, studying Old Norse Religion. Ill probably go through with a PHD in the field. My grandfather recently passed away. He was not part of the Mohawk Nation, but he was, according to all accounts, of Mohawk heritage with two Mohawk parents. His passing caused me to want to look into him, where he came from. I spend my life studying the indigenous customs and beliefs of Scandinavia, and it wasnt until his death that I realized I had never looked into the history of my own grandfather. I remember a few years back, I was a student at SUNY New Patlz, taking a course called Indians of the Eastern Woodlands, and a man from the Mohawk Tribe (I belief he was a chief) spoke to us. I wish I had paid better attention! I would like to learn about the folk traditions and beliefs of the Mohawk. I know the basic myths, but myths are only a part of a cultures connection to the world around them. Im interested in local land lore (stories about natural landmarks etc), and ritual belief and tradition. Can anyone here direct me to a good source? I would actually love to get back in contact with the gentleman that spoke to us, or someone like that. Thanks!
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 16:37:22 +0000