The Tyendinaga flag depicts a silver chain and circle enveloping an eagle. The colours of our flag are the colours of wampum beads–the white is an emblem of peace, and the purple an emblem of civic affairs.

The eagle watches over the nation and warns of danger, and the silver chain represents the relationship between the Haudenosaunee and Europeans. This relationship is strong, pure and untarnished, like a silver chain.

But it’s important to polish the chain continuously to keep it purified. This symbolizes the need for dialogue between the Mohawk nation and other governments to maintain healthy relationships.

Lastly, the circle symbolizes the Great Peace and Great Law established by the Five Nations of the Haudenosaunee.

THE COLOURS
Derived from the beaded wampum belt. The beads were made of two different shells: the purple quahog and the white welk shell.

THE EAGLE
Said to be a messenger to the Creator, the eagle is the protector of peace. Because of his ability to see far, the Peacemaker placed him at the top of the Great Tree of Peace. If sees in the distance any evil approaching or any danger threatening, he will at once warn the Haudenosaunee, the People of the Confederacy.

THE CHAIN
Symbolizes the need for continuous dialogue between the Mohawk Nation and other governments to maintain the health of their relationship and to deal with current issues.

THE CIRCLE
Represents unity, strength and the cycles of life.