About the Fair

A Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Culture & Community Strength Since 1904

The Mohawk Fair, proudly presented by the Mohawk Agricultural Society, has been a cornerstone of life in the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory since 1904. For more than a century, this fair has brought together families, neighbours, and visitors to celebrate agricultural achievement, homecraft creativity, and the vibrant cultural traditions of the Mohawk people.

A Fair Rooted in Indigenous Agricultural Heritage & Community Commitment

Long before the fair’s formal establishment, the Mohawk community maintained a rich agricultural tradition, cultivating corn, beans, squash (the “Three Sisters”), and other crops central to Mohawk culture and daily life. When the Mohawk Agricultural Society was formed in the early 20th century, it built upon this longstanding agricultural knowledge, creating a gathering place where farming, culture, and community could be celebrated together.

Early fairs included produce competitions, livestock exhibits, homecraft displays, traditional foods, and community gatherings, much of which continues to shape the fair today.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Mohawk Fair

Agriculture remains central to the fair’s identity, reflected in a wide range of exhibits:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Horses, poultry, and small livestock
• Vegetables, grains, and garden produce
• Maple syrup, preserves, and traditional homestead foods
• Rural crafts, woodworking, and land-based skills

These exhibits honour both contemporary farming practices and the deep agricultural knowledge carried through generations.

The homecraft categories. including traditional foods, beadwork, sewing, quilting, arts, and youth divisions, highlight the creativity and cultural expression that are core to community life.

Youth Engagement & Generational Teachings

Youth participation has always been a vital part of the Mohawk Fair. Through school divisions, youth exhibits, 4-H-like programs, and agricultural learning activities, young people develop:

• Leadership and responsibility
• Creative and practical skills
• Cultural understanding and community pride
• A close connection to their land and heritage

Generational involvement, elders, parents, and children sharing skills and traditions, helps ensure the fair remains meaningful and vibrant.

Community-Led, Volunteer-Driven & Culturally Rooted

The fair is organized by the Mohawk Agricultural Society, supported by dedicated community volunteers who work year-round to uphold tradition. Their efforts—maintaining grounds, coordinating exhibits, supporting participants, and celebrating agricultural and cultural heritage, reflect the strength and unity of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

A Celebration of Mohawk Values & Rural Traditions

The Mohawk Fair proudly highlights:

• Agricultural excellence
• Cultural knowledge & creativity
• Youth involvement
• Volunteer leadership
• Generational continuity
• Community unity & identity

A Tradition That Endures

More than 120 years after its founding, the Mohawk Fair remains a cherished celebration, honouring the agricultural roots, cultural traditions, and community spirit that continue to enrich Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

About the Territory

Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory: A Proud Kanien’kehá:ka Community Where Culture, Land & History Endure

Located along the shores of the Bay of Quinte, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory is a vibrant and culturally rich community rooted in the traditions of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk Nation). It is one of the earliest and most historically significant Mohawk settlements in Canada, known for its strong connection to land, community, and heritage.

A Community with Deep Historic Roots

Tyendinaga traces its origins to the late 1700s, when Mohawk Loyalists, led by Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant), settled in the region after the American Revolution. The land was granted as recognition of their alliance with the British Crown, and many families living in the Territory today are direct descendants of those original settlers.

Historic churches, community buildings, homesteads, and cultural gathering places continue to reflect this deep and enduring history.

A Landscape Defined by Water, Forest & Farmland

Tyendinaga’s environment reflects a rich blend of natural beauty and agricultural land:

• Bay of Quinte shoreline and inlets
• Forested areas and wildlife habitats
• Productive farmland & traditional growing areas
• Quiet rural roads and scenic countryside
• Marshes, creeks, and natural wetlands

This landscape supports both cultural practices and modern agriculture.

A Community Grounded in Culture, Language & Tradition

Tyendinaga is known for its strong cultural presence, including:

• Mohawk language revitalization
• Traditional foods and agricultural practices
• Arts such as beading, carving, and crafting
• Community feasts, gatherings & celebrations
• Storytelling and oral history

These cultural expressions play a central role in community identity.

A Spirit of Local Pride, Involvement & Connection

Residents of Tyendinaga actively support:

• Community centres and cultural programs
• Local businesses and artisans
• Agricultural producers and land-based learning
• Youth programs and sports
• Seasonal festivals and traditional events

This involvement reflects the Territory’s strong sense of unity and pride.

Heritage Carried Through Generations

Tyendinaga honours its heritage through:

• Historic landmarks
• Community archives and cultural centres
• Teachings passed through elders
• Traditions rooted in land-based living and agriculture

These elements connect the past with the present in meaningful ways.

Agriculture Remains an Important Part of Community Life

The Territory supports a mix of agricultural activities, including:

• Crop farming
• Beef and mixed livestock
• Market gardening
• Maple syrup production
• Traditional Three Sisters cultivation

This agricultural strength is showcased each year at the Mohawk Fair, one of the community’s longest-standing traditions.

A Natural Companion to the Mohawk Fair

Together, the community and its fair highlight:

• Cultural heritage
• Community unity
• Agricultural knowledge
• Youth involvement
• Creative traditions
• Generational pride

A Community Where Land, Culture & Spirit Flourish Together

Whether exploring its shoreline, supporting local artisans, visiting family farms, or celebrating long-standing traditions like the Mohawk Fair, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory offers a memorable and meaningful experience, where culture, land, and community spirit come together in a powerful and enduring way.