What is mohawk.txt?
The mohawk.txt initiative is a digital marker representing Mohawk Nation sovereignty in cyberspace. This lightweight file highlights Indigenous ownership, governance, and cultural values in a transparent way.
How Does mohawk.txt Relate to Existing Projects?
- humans.txt: Focuses on people behind websites, while mohawk.txt emphasizes cultural sovereignty.
- robots.txt: Directs web crawlers, but mohawk.txt ensures human understanding of Mohawk governance.
- security.txt: Promotes transparency for security purposes; mohawk.txt promotes cultural transparency.
Why is mohawk.txt Important?
It counters digital colonialism, preserves cultural integrity, and asserts territorial respect. mohawk.txt is crucial for Cyber-Indigenous Sovereignty.
This initiative goes beyond simple digital acknowledgment, highlighting that the geolocations of these digital markers are real claims to Mohawk lands. Whenever someone registers a domain on Mohawk lands, such as a .CA domain, it represents a claim that threatens Mohawk sovereignty. With mohawk.txt, we assert our sovereignty over both our physical and digital territories.
Principles of Mohawk Digital Sovereignty
Inspired by the principles of Local Contexts, our initiative aims to protect Mohawk cultural identity and knowledge in cyberspace.
Ownership and Control
The mohawk.txt file ensures that Mohawk Nation members retain full ownership of their digital content. This public marker asserts our digital sovereignty over cyberspace.
Cultural Integrity
Our initiative safeguards the accurate representation of Mohawk culture. The mohawk.txt file acts as a protector, ensuring that content is not misused or appropriated.
Transparency and Accountability
By adding a mohawk.txt file to their websites, Mohawk Nation members demonstrate transparency and provide visitors with clear information about the site's cultural origins.
Respect for Protocols
The mohawk.txt file includes guidelines for respectful handling of Mohawk digital content, ensuring adherence to cultural protocols and traditions.
Empowerment and Self-Determination
This initiative empowers Mohawk individuals and communities to define their digital presence, strengthening their self-determination in virtual spaces.
Collaboration Across Communities
The mohawk.txt project fosters unity by creating shared standards for digital governance, reinforcing collective cultural values.
How to Use mohawk.txt
- Create a file named
mohawk.txtin your website’s root directory. - Add information about contributors, cultural values, and sovereignty.
- Optionally link to it in the website’s HTML head.
<link type="text/plain" rel="author" href="http://yourdomain.com/mohawk.txt">
Sample mohawk.txt Structure
# mohawk.txt
# Asserting Mohawk Digital Sovereignty
# Owner: Mohawk Nation Council
# Territory: Haldimand Tract
# Rights: Exclusive to the Mohawk Nation of Grand River
# Stewardship: Content on this website is under the care of the Mohawk Nation. Visitors are encouraged to respect our values.
# CulturalProtocols: Adhere to Mohawk traditions when engaging with this content. No unauthorized use or commercial replication allowed.
# LearnMore: Visit mohawknation.org/sovereignty to understand our cultural values.
# Purpose: This file asserts our digital sovereignty, educates users about our culture, and defends against cyber-colonialism.
# Last Updated: 2024-12-08
Download the Official mohawk.txt Logos
Here you can download the official logos for the mohawk.txt initiative. Please make sure you have permission to use the logo if you're not the website owner. The logo should be displayed in the footer of the website with a link to your mohawk.txt file.
How to Use the mohawk.txt Logo
We recommend placing the mohawk.txt logo in the footer of your website and including a link to your mohawk.txt file. Here’s an example of how you can include the logo in your website:
<footer>
<a href="https://www.example.com/mohawk.txt">
<img src="path/to/logo-mohawk-white.gif" alt="mohawk.txt" />
</a>
</footer>
Why Use mohawk.txt?
Using the mohawk.txt logo asserts Mohawk sovereignty in the digital space. It serves as a visible marker of Indigenous ownership and governance over cyberspace, promoting transparency and cultural integrity. By displaying the logo, you are supporting the protection of Indigenous digital spaces and preserving our cultural heritage online.