Six Strings (2021)

• 83%
• 2021
• Bawaadan Collective

On June 10th, 1800, a bitter dispute between rival factions within the Mohawk Village on the Bay of Quinte escalated into violence and the murder of a father and his son. The film is based on the actual transcript of the nine-day Mohawk Council, highlighting the traditional ways of restorative justice and conflict resolution within the community. Six Strings is a short film produced by Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na (TTO) and directed by Bawaadan Collective, shot over two weeks in the late summer of 2021 entirely in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory with actors from the community. The film is only available in the Mohawk language, purposefully with no English subtitles as TTO's mission is to revitalize the language. Bringing the film to life meant lots of time spent consulting with various museums and people who hold knowledge about wampum and traditions.