(Oneida, NY – Nov. 2013) Journalist, historian and Akwesasne Mohawk Doug George Kanentiio will present a fresh perspective of the War of 1812 from the viewpoint of the Iroquois allies of both the British and the American sides in the program “The War on the Niagara Frontier 1813” at Oneida Public Library on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m.
Kanentiio is the author of “Skywoman,” “Iroquois on Fire” and “Iroquois Culture and Commentary.” A graduate of Syracuse University and the Antioch School of Law, he has been an editor of “Akwesasne Notes” and a contributor to many national newspapers.
Kanentiio, as both a Mohawk and a Canadian, has long been fascinated by the political, economic and social effects of the War of 1812 on the Iroquois people on both sides of the St. Lawrence River. In his lecture, he will cover the war’s aspects in New York State and Ontario, as Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry battles the British Navy on Lake Erie, the Shawnee chief Tecumseh allies with the Mohawks in attacking the Niagara Frontier and the Seneca chief Red Jacket joins Col. Winfield Scott in repelling the British-led invasion.
“During the War of 1812, the Iroquois once again found themselves in a position of divided loyalties,” he said. “The Mohawks elected to fight alongside their British allies while other Iroquois [Nations] supported the Americans. This resulted in the Iroquois fighting against their own relatives at several battles.”
Kanentiio will accompany his talk with PowerPoint illustrations of the war.
For more information, stop by the Oneida Library, 220 Broad St., or call 363-3050.