The concentric ring of wood formed over a year of a tree’s growth, observable when the tree is cut.
Excessive harvesting that damages the resource.
The geographic area a species can be found.
An organization of five (later six) Native nations who historically lived throughout what is now New York State. The Six Nations today includes the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora tribes.
An alliance formed between individual states or nations for mutual support or common political or military action.
A harvested log is pounded to separate annual growth rings. Once separated, strips are rolled into bundles, then split into thinner layers used to weave baskets.
Answer B is incorrect. Mohawk people are working hard to protect the black ash from the emerald ash borer.
The Thanksgiving Address is a prayer and acknowledgment that brings people together and gives thanks to the creator of all things. Mohawk people recite it before gatherings or events.
Well done!
You have answered all of the questions in this section. Use these links to review your answers. To continue, click the arrow below.
Go To My Story Project
What have you learned about this tribe? What makes the place they live in special to them?
This interactive experience requires Adobe Flash Player 9 or higher.
Why are the people so concerned about the environmental problem in their community?
Take notes and save images to help answer these questions. Your images and notes will be saved to the Story Project where you can use them to create your own slideshow.
Basketmaking is an important traditional art form that has been practiced in Akwesasne for generations. At the turn of the last century, women and some men made and sold baskets to help support their families. Today, elders still teach children how to harvest black ash and make baskets. c.1900
This basket was made by Mohawk artist Mary Adams in 1985. It is called a “fancy” or ornamental basket because it was designed for sale, not for use. Note the many curls and miniature sweetgrass baskets on the sides. These unique details are considered the “mark” or signature of the basketmaker. 1985
This burden or pack basket by Jake Arquette is designed with thick splints strong enough to carry heavy items like tools, food, or branches. Hunters, trappers, and snowshoers often wore these on their backs to haul important gear into the woods. 1979
Black ash trees grow slowly. This stand of saplings in a wetland on the Akwesasne reservation will need 40 or 50 years to fully mature. c. 2000
“A lot of basketmakers in Akwesasne are still making baskets, and it’s part of their livelihood and it’s a continuing part of our culture.”
“You have got to take responsibility. It doesn’t matter what the next person does or doesn’t do. It’s about what you do. And that’s really important.”
“If the emerald ash borer moves in and wipes everything out, we’re going to lose a big part of our culture.”
“It’s a long-term investment. If I plant a tree today, I won’t see the benefit of it, but the next generation will see the benefit of the trees.”
Federal Quarantine Areas for Black Ash Trees