Adam Prudhomme
Editor
A fleet of canoes arrived on the shores of Tyendinaga on Sunday morning and just as its passengers set foot on land, they observed a moment of silence.
The scene was a reenactment of what occurred at that very site 238 years ago to the day as members of the Mohawk nation first arrived to the area. Now a historic site with plaques to honour its significance, the green space located at 353 Bayshore Road is also site to the annual Mohawk Landing ceremony, which takes place on the weekend closest to the May 22 anniversary. Sunday marked the first time in two years the event had taken place in person, paused due to the pandemic.
The first canoe arrives. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
“It was on May 22, 1784, 13 families landed on these shores to make it their new home,” said Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Chief Donald Maracle. “We’re thankful for that because we are here today because of their sacrifice. Upon arrival a canoe was overturned, a Mohawk prayer said, a Mohawk hymn sung as an expression of gratitude for their safe arrival.”
That same act was recreated as an overturned canoe was carried to the top of the hill and placed in the middle of the ceremony. A pair of wreaths was also laid in memory of the Mohawk members who had served in wars over the year, holding up their end of the covenant struck between Mohawk and the British.
Mohawks Bay of Quinte Chief Donald Maracle addresses the crowd. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
“Our ancestors always honoured the covenant chain when the English king or queen was at war,” said Maracle. “They fought in many wars. The War of 1812, the Boer War, WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Gulf War and Afghanistan. In the United States many of our people also served in the United States army in the Vietnam War and also in Afghanistan. Today we remember the great sacrifice of our ancestors. Their great forbearance, their loyalty, their sacrifice and their resilience to work together to secure their future and a better future for their families and the next generation.”
A prayer was said to honour those who had settled the area and a tobacco offering was held.
“Winston Churchill once said a nation that forgets its history has no future,” said Maracle. “And today we remember our ancestors and their contribution and we will always remember them.”