Mohawk Tradition

A unique Mohawk version describes all peoples originally living together on the turtle’s shell.

As they quarreled, the Creator separated the shell into 13 sections, creating oceans between them—symbolizing the 13 lunar cycles and teaching a lesson about harmony and division.

While the turtle as Earth-bearer and the heroism of the muskrat are common threads, differences in protagonists (Sky Woman vs. Nanabozho), initiating events (fall vs. flood), and symbolic meanings reflect each tribe’s distinct worldview, values, and relationship with the natural world.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 02:37PM