Exploring Tyendinaga

On Tuesday January the 29th, our Indigenous Reporting class made our way to the community of Tyendinaga to explore indigenous issues and culture.

First off, we visited Legacy 420 regarding medicinal marijuana and its benefits and challenges in this region. With the recent marijuana legislation in Canada, owner Tim Barnhart exclaimed that they would be staying put because they are a staple in the indigenous community. The facility was extremely roomy with multiple sections including a biochemistry lab, a kitchen and a ship from store area.

The welcoming “store” area of Legacy 420.

After, our class made its way to the local midwifery. This midwifery in particular is crucial to the community of Tyendinaga as Mohawk nations from far and wide utilize the place due to its “homey” vibe.

A balcony overlooks the main room of the Tyendinaga midwifery.

Lastly, our class stopped at a Mohawk primary school that teaches young children about Mohawk culture and languages. The language revitalization in indigenous communities is most prominent, so schools that reinforce the culture to the youth are vital in keeping their communities thriving.

Basic Mohawk language rules.