Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

AKWESASNE MOHAWK TERRITORY – From time to time, federal elections are held to choose the leadership for the Government of Canada. As the date closes in, the various political parties and mainstream media target populations of people who do not usually vote, such as the Mohawk community of Akwesasne.

Historically, the people of Akwesasne have not participated in the federal elections and it is something that continues to this day. There are a range of reasons based on principles of national identity and the manner that the elected system of governance came to Akwesasne. There are still other reasons based on historical grievances and the importance of collective decision-making by the community.

The most notable reason given for why Akwesasne community members refuse to participate in Canadian federal elections are the principles contained in the Two Row Wampum. It symbolizes the historical perspective that our people have of external governments—one based on respect and a nation-to-nation relationship.

The Two Row Wampum refers to a principle whereby Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal nations peacefully co-exist as neighbors and do not interfere in the affairs of another. It is a principle that Akwesasne Mohawks have promoted to non-Aboriginal people throughout history and have repeated with each federal election.

The Two Row Wampum speaks of two separate peoples traveling two distinct paths within the river of life. These are the Aboriginal people and the non-Aboriginal people. Each vessel contains the culture, values, laws, politics and ways of life of their respective people. In order to have peaceful co-existence, each must remain in their vessels and shall never impose their own beliefs, laws and values on the other.

There are three beads on the wampum that separate the two vessels. These stand for friendship, peace and respect. This serves to remind us that the very things that separate us are the things that bind our relationship. More importantly, peace and friendship comes from the bonds we build when we respect each other’s unique characteristics and national identity.