Welcome to Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

Ready to see the historical heart of Bay of Quinte Country? The lands of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory were part of a vast northern territory controlled by the Iroquois Confederacy prior to the Royal Proclamation of 1763.

Intriguing Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte history reaches even further into the past: the Bay is also the birthplace of Tekanawita, the Peacemaker who brought the original Five Nations Iroquois Confederacy under a constitution of peace in the 12th century. When the Tuscarora Nation was adopted into the Iroquois Confederacy in the early 1700's, the Nations became known as the Six Nations Confederacy.

This rolling, largely rural land stretches from just a few kilometres east of Belleville, and lies immediately west of the town of Deseronto.

THE ROYAL TOUCH

Make your way to the Gothic-style Christ Church, Her Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks, on South Church Road, just above Bayshore Road, to see one of only six "Chapels Royal" outside the United Kingdom. Now designated a National Historical Site, the stone Church was built by the Mohawks in 1843 to replace a log structure built soon after 1784 landing of the first arrivals.

The Church is filled with Royal Gifts, testament to the long association of the Mohawks with the British Crown. On display is a triptych in the Mohawk language given by King George III, a Royal coat of arms given by King George V, a Bible presented by Queen Victoria. The Church's most historic artefact-used only on ceremonial occasions-is the treasured Communion Silver set given by Queen Anne in 1711 as a symbol of Mohawk and British alliance.

The Cairn

The Cairn is a memorial to the Landing of the Mohawks on the shores of the Bay of Quinte in 1784. The site serves as the location of the annual commemoration of the event, although archival cartographic maps show Iroquois settlement on the north shore of Lake Ontario more than 150 years prior. Celebrated since 1929, "Mohawk Landing" is held on the Sunday closest to May 22. Activities include a re-enactment of the landing of the canoes, a special church service, and traditional teachings at the local community centre.

The Cairn, erected as a monument by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 1929, also marks the site of the first Church of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.

Where does the name "Tyendinaga" come from?Tyendinaga, when translated in English, means "placing the wood together."

Family Finds

Commemorate the 1784 Mohawk Landing: Plan to visit in May, on the Sunday closest to May 22. Each year, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte re-enact the historic arrival of their original Tyendinaga Loyalist ancestors. The colourful landing of the canoes is followed by special services and celebrations, with traditional Iroquoian dress and foods.

Take Part in the Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow: Head to Tsitkerhododon Park on Bayshore Road on the 2nd weekend in August for a welcoming, lively celebration of traditional Mohawk singing, dancing, dress, arts and crafts.