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THE MOHAWKS The Mohawk are part of the Iroquoian linguistic family. They form the largest Nation in Quebec, population-wise, after the Montagnais. They account for nearly 11,000 souls in Quebec, of which more than 8,500 live on-reserve. Their territory is located around the edges of Montreal. There are three Mohawk communities in Quebec: Kahnawake, Kanesatake et Akwesasne, which borders Ontario. The Mohawk lived mainly from agriculture, commercial trading of agricultural and craft goods, from hunting, fishing and gathering. Did you know that the Mohawk used to be hired by several transport companies as paddlers? Thanks to their ability in confronting the rapids and troubled waters, they allowed, among others, a British expedition to travel the Nile up to Khartoum, Soudan ? 1 Excerpt from the Indiana Marketing web site. TAMMY BEAUVAIS DESIGNS
Beauvais's name is getting more attention these days thanks to the 34 cashmere shawls she created for the wives of 34 heads of state attending the Summit of the Americas in Québec City in April. She made the shawls at the request of Aline Chrétien, wife of the Prime Minister. Beauvais has received some orders for her clothing as a result of that high-profile exposure at the Summit. But she's very aware that she's just starting out, and that a great deal of work lies ahead. When Beauvais opened her own fashion design company, Tammy Beauvais Designs, in Kahnawake, Quebec in January 1999, it was her childhood dream come true. Since she was 10 years old, she has wanted to follow in her grandmother's footsteps. A highly respected member of the community, her grandmother made traditional clothing for children and adults. "She had a big influence on my work," says Beauvais, who incorporates traditional Mohawk symbols into her designs.
To realize this dream, Beauvais will be hiring about 20 people to produce authentic Aboriginal clothing of the highest quality. The centre will offer training on computer-based design, and provide international marketing services to Aboriginal people from North America and around the world. It will also help develop international partnerships for the exchange of materials for clothing created by Aboriginal designers. Beauvais recognizes this is a tall order, but she has no doubt about the project's feasibility. "It's big, but it can be done," she says confidently.
In May, Beauvais attended the 8th World Summit of Young Entrepreneurs in Brussels, Belgium, with the help of funding from Aboriginal Business Canada. There, her idea for the Aboriginal Fashion Centre was very well received, and caught the interest of five young designers from Laos, Ireland, Nigeria, Uganda and Benin. With these new friends, Beauvais has plans to create an international design centre on the Internet that will enable young designers from around the world to offer each other support and advice. She sees the Internet site as an exciting complement to the Aboriginal Fashion Centre, and a project from which young Aboriginal designers worldwide can benefit. For more information, visit the Tammy Beauvais Designs Web site at www.tammybeauvais.com THE KAHNAWAKE RECYCLING DEPOT
"In the beginning, only 15 families in Kahnawake recycled, whereas today, there are more than 600 families", says Eva Johnson, environment coordinator. Another great step has been taken with regard to recycled materials. "In 1988, we only collected paper, and now we recycle plastic, glass, all paper products including cardboard, metal cans, wood, tires, household hazardous material, paint and even motor oil." Collection is conducted twice a week, year round, and there is also a recycle drop off center.
A research project is also underway in order to determine the exact number of cases and cause for scleroderma, a rare disease that hardens the skin and affects the internal organs. This research will be documented for the community. "Scleroderma was not a known disease within the community five years ago. It is a disease that is difficult to diagnose, but we believe that various contaminants such as pollution, dioxin, gasoline, chlorine, etc. may affect the immune system", noted Ms. Johnson. Few studies have been conducted in the Kahnawake region attempting to make the connection between illness and the environment. Between now and the spring, certain explanations could be forthcoming as to the cause of this disease.
As fas as environment protection, is concerned the Kahnawake Mohawks are quite avant-garde. Their involvement at various levels whether recycling, research or through their various accomplishments is quite noteworthy, especially in a context where environmental awareness, mobilization and action are required to ensure the viable future of the next generations. The Abenakis
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| Last Updated: 2004-04-23 | 
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As
young Mohawk designer Tammy Beauvais understands very well, starting your own
business is no ticket to the easy life. "You have to work hard to make
a name for yourself," she says.
In
just two and a half years, Beauvais has succeeded in creating her own niche
in the fashion world. With the help of her friend, Marvin Delormier, her designs
are now sold in more than 41 boutiques in Canada and the United States. "Marvin
was a big help in finding stores interested in selling my work," Beauvais
explains. "I find the rest of my business on the road, at pow-wows, conferences
and trade shows."
The
young designer's next goal is to open an Aboriginal Fashion Centre in Kahnawake
a project that will likely take a few more years before it becomes a
reality. "I can't achieve this dream by myself," Beauvais admits.
"I need the support of my community and of other designers. I've already
met with one designer in Kahnawake and another one in Toronto to get the project
going."
The
environment is becoming more and more of a major concern. We now realize that
the resources are not inexhaustible and that it has become imperative that we
each do our share to protect our resources. The Kahnawake Environment Recycling
Depot was instituted in 1988 with a view to raising awareness among the people
of the Mohawk community to this reality and to safefuard against the unfortunate
consequences of a polluted environment.
"People
now have a better understanding of the dangers of polluted water and air",
explains Ms. Johnson. The efforts employed by the Kahnawake Environment Office
to raise the population's awareness of the various consequences of pollution
are without a doubt a contributing factor. "We regularly issue public notices
that are published in the community newspaper, The Eastern Door, as well as
broadcast on the air over K-103, the community radio", she adds.
The
Kahnawake Environment Office also has an innovative and sustainable house project,
Kanata 2000. Thanks to acres of land set aside for the project by the Mohawk
council, 32 houses may soon be built. A model home is already open to visitors.
From floor to ceiling, everything has been built with the environment in mind.
First, electricity is generated by solar energy for household hot water and
heating is provided by a radiant element installed within the concrete floor
slab. The larger windows are installed on the south side where they are exposed
to the sun for a longer period of time. This also contributes towards conserving
energy. In addition to using environmentally safe materials, such as milk base
paint, the walls are insulated with straw to keep the interior cool even during
a heat wave, and cozy for those cold winter nights. "We have already received
several inquiries for this type of house", says Eva Johnson.