The Mohawk ironworkers
By Katja Esson
As a German filmmaker living in New York City, I heard about the legend of the Mohawk ironworkers and reflecting on German fascination with Native Americans, I was intrigued by that story.
After the attack on the Twin Towers on 9/11, I was surprised to read in a newspaper article that Mohawk ironworkers from all over the country were among the first to rush to Ground Zero, working many months in the ruins. This was despite the controversies that exist between the Native Americans and the US government over issues such as sovereignty, land disputes and smuggling. I wanted to know more about these men who live as 'outcasts' in the American society and yet are American down to the bone.
I started my research in 2002 and found a deep-rooted distrust of media and outsiders within the Mohawk community because of the ongoing feeling of misrepresentation.
It took me several years to slowly and respectfully immerse myself into the lives of these Mohawk ironworkers. Earning their trust and their friendships is an ongoing process, during which I could feel myself changing as well. The project also helped me evolve as a filmmaker, forcing me to look at things differently, requiring much more spiritual openness, commitment and time in order to truly be able to absorb the Mohawk culture with truthfulness.
Sky Fox Bear, one of the ironworkers said to me: "The Ironworkers left an incredible legacy for us to be proud of, but in pursuit of that [they] also left a lot of wounds and scars but I guess any type of glory attained, is a price to pay."
Video and more at link:
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/witness/2013/04/2013428123413242888.html?utm_content=automate&utm_campaign=Trial6&utm_source=NewSocialFlow&utm_term=plustweets&utm_medium=MasterAccount
