On the Canadian border, artistry connects travelers to Mohawk culture

I booked my visit to Hill’s studio through Akwesasne Travel, the marketing organization for the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, which straddles the U.S.-Canada border, and New York, Ontario and Quebec. Despite the territory’s geographical complexity, residents (Akwesasronon) consider themselves to be one community. Last fall, Akwesasne Travel launched three tours to offer visitors a chance to learn about Akwesasne culture.

Akwesasne Travel moves tourism ahead with three cultural experiences, connecting artistry and Mohawk culture to travelers.

Tourism “has been a part of who we are for centuries,” says Penny Peters, Akwesasne’s tourism industry development manager. “We’re a very welcoming community.” The plan to formalize tourism in Akwesasne first emerged in 2008 out of a comprehensive community development plan that found that Akwesasronon were interested in developing tourism as a way to tell their stories and to support cultural revitalization by helping people make a living from their artistry.