Kahnawake?
These times, if we encounter something we are not familiar with, we will type the word in the search field of the search engine we normally use. And what will it output in this case?
“The Kahnawake Mohawk Territory […] is a First Nations reserve of the traditionally Iroquoian-speaking Mohawk nation on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada, across from Montreal.” (Source: Wikipedia) [more to follow]
Mohawk?
The people called Mohawk are one of the six nations who formed the Iroquis confederation. Originally they identify as Kanien’kehá:ka, from the flint stone place. Neighboring tribes who belong to the Algonkin, named them Maw Unk Lin (Bear People), which was adopted by the Dutch settlers as Mohawk. Together with five other nations the Mohawk founded the Iroquios confederation (in their own words as Haudenosaunee, Long House People). Settling in the most eastern parts of that confederation territory, they were also called the Keepers of the Eastern Door. [more to follow]
Is that all?
An old Jesuit mission is situated in Kahnawake, the St. Francis Xavier Mission. In its main church the shrine of St. Kateri Tekakwitha is located. St. Kateri (1656 – 1680) is the first native woman to be canonized a Saint by the Roman Catholic church. For centuries this woman was eminently respected by her own people and beyond among the First Nations of America, as an ancestress as well as a spiritual person – even among those who follow the old spiritual paths – and she was invoked for intercession and aid in distress. [more to follow]
Thus, my lifelong interest in the First Nations of America and our faith merge in this kennel affix. Hopefully, this special little saint will keep an eye on our dogs and us and always will put in a good word.
