Vatican Declares First Ever Native American Saint

For out Geo Quiz – we’re looking for the home of the first Native American saint.

Kateri Tekakwitha has been formally declared a saint by the Catholic Church. She was born in 1656 and lived a deeply spiritual, but brief, life. Tekakwitha was just 24 when she died.

Can you name the Mohawk reservation where you can visit her burial site?

Hundreds of faithful turned out there to watch the canonization ceremony broadcast from the Vatican.

Joe Delaronde, a spokesperson for the Mohawk Council, says the community’s name relates to its location along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada.

“It actually means by the rapids and that’s basically a pretty good description. We’re located right along the rapids near Montreal.”

So what’s the name of the reservation where the saint known locally as “Lily of the Mohawks” is buried?

The answer to our Geo Quiz is Kanawake, or the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory in Quebec, Canada.

It’s home to the tomb of Kateri Tekakwitha who was formally declared the first Native American saint by the Catholic Church yesterday. Joe Delaronde, a spokesman for the Mohawk Council of Kahanwake talks about the legacy of the 17th century Native American woman.

Have you personally experienced any of Kateri’s miracles or drawn inspiration from Kateri? Share your thoughts below.