Tyendinaga

Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory is a First Nations reserve of the Mohawk people in southeastern Ontario, Canada. The territory is situated along the eastern shore of the Bay of Quinte, near the town of Deseronto and opposite the city of Belleville. It is one of several Mohawk communities in the region and is part of the broader Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

Governance and demographics: Tyendinaga is governed by a Chief and Councillors under the Indian Act, with responsibilities for local services, land management, and community programs for residents on the reserve. The population includes on-reserve residents as well as members living off reserve.

History and culture: The area has long been inhabited by Mohawk communities. Over time, the land was organized into reserves as part of colonial-era agreements, and Tyendinaga has continued as an active center of Mohawk life. The community maintains language and cultural traditions, including Mohawk language programs, beadwork, crafts, ceremonies, and educational initiatives to preserve heritage.

Economy and community life: Local businesses, crafts, and tourism contribute to the territory’s economy, with cultural events and programs that highlight Mohawk history and contemporary life. The community also engages in initiatives to revitalize language and youth education and to support social and economic development.

Notable events: Tyendinaga has played a visible role in national Indigenous rights discussions in recent decades. In 2020, the community was a focal point of rail blockades in solidarity with broader Indigenous movements, drawing national attention to treaty rights and reconciliation efforts.