In this episode, Skywalkers: The Story of Mohawk Ironworkers, we’ll explore of the history of how so many Mohawk people became ironworkers, building many of the structures we use daily, such as bridges and buildings. The contribution of these skilled tradespeople is often overlooked, yet Mohawk ironworkers have helped to build some of the most iconic buildings and bridges in Canada and the US. We’ll also be learning about how the families and communities of the ironworkers adapted to the lifestyle of having numerous people leave for work – sometimes for weeks on end. This is a riveting story, pardon the pun. Let’s get started on our journey of learning.
RESOURCES
Kanyen’kehà:ka (Mohawk) (Canadian Encyclopedia)
Crash Course on Mohawk Ironworkers (The Secret Life of Canada podcast; 10+ min; CBC)
Quebec Bridge Disaster (Canadian Encyclopedia)
Kahnawake Mohawks mark 1907 Quebec bridge disaster (CBC News)
A Community’s Loss (Canada’s History; 2017)
10 Fascinating Facts About Lunch Atop A Skyscraper (Mental Floss)
Lunch Atop a Skyscraper Photograph: The Story Behind the Famous Shot (Smithsonian Magazine)
Little Caughnawaga: To Brooklyn and Back (Video; 56 min; National Film Board; 2008)
VIEWER GUIDE: Little Caughnawaga: To Brooklyn and Back (Vision Maker Media)
Little Caughnawaga (The Brooklyn Rail)
Up in the Old Hotel: Mohawks in High Steel by Joseph Mitchell (1949; Columbia University online)
High Steel (13 Minute Video; National Film Board; 1965)
Booming Out: Mohawk Ironworkers Build New York (Smithsonian; Archived Exhibit online)
Booming Out: Mohawk Ironworkers Build New York (pdf; Exhibit Informational; Smithsonian)
Men of steel: How Brooklyn’s Native American ironworkers built New York (6sqft; 2018)
The Old New York Page (Facebook; 2020)
Sky Walking: Raising Steel, A Mohawk Ironworker Keeps Tradition Alive (Audio; 8 min; WNYC New York Public Radio)
Building Brooklyn: Like Coming Home (Podcast; Brooklyn Public Library; 2021)
20 years later, Mohawk ironworkers reflect on unique connection to 9/11 (WXXI News; 2021)
Skywalkers: A Portrait of Mohawk Ironworkers at the World Trade Center (9/11 Memorial & Museum; Archived Exhibit (viewable online))
9/11 Museum exhibit tells story of Mohawk ironworkers’ contribution to New York City (CBC News; 2018)v
Rise: The Story Of The Ironworkers Who Built 1 World Trade Center After The 9/11 Attacks (Video; 13+ min; TIME on YouTube)
Darryl Lazore on his career in ironworking (Audio & Text; North Country Public Radio)
Montreal’s Champlain Bridge project brings Mohawk ironworkers closer to home (CBC News; 2017)
Akwesasne celebrates its ironworking history (Cornwall Standard Freeholder; 2018)
Daring Mohawk Ironworkers Featured in the 2015 Native American $1 Coin Design (US Mint)