Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mildly raunchy romcom series about four young Mohawk women.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mohawk Girls
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Based on a 2005 documentary produced by Tracey Deer, MOHAWK GIRLS is an award-winning Canadian dramatic comedy series about four 20-something Mohawk women navigating life in their tight-knit community. Zoe (Brittany Leborne), Bailey (Jennifer Pudavick), and Caitlin (Heather White) are looking for romance while living on the protected lands of the Kahnawake Mohawk Nation. Meanwhile, Anna (Maika Harper), who has a White parent, has just moved back after living in New York City in order to connect with her paternal roots. Together the four women negotiate messy relationships, friendships, and who they are as Mohawk women.
Is It Any Good?
This charming Canadian series highlights the values and cultural tensions felt by modern Mohawk women living on a reserve in a show that's funny, relatable, sometimes raunchy, and never preachy. The sexual humor and dream sequences of Mohawk Girls create some funny and original moments. There are also poignant themes about family and identity. Some of what's presented here, such as exclusionary behavior toward non-Indigenous and mixed-race people, what it means to "look Indigenous," and the efforts of tribes to increase their population and status, is especially interesting. The story beats might not feel new for Indigenous and First Nations viewers, but it still serves as social commentary that's not often seen on-screen. Overall, Mohawk Girls is a funny show that has a familiar story about the trials and tribulations of young women looking for love, but tells it from a point of view and cultural experience that's refreshing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the social norms and values in Mohawk Girls. What values are identified as being part of Kahnawake culture? How do they differ from the cultural norms in nearby Montreal, or in Anna's previous home in New York City? What tensions arise when people try to negotiate both?
How much do you know about the history of the Mohawk people? What about the Iroquois, or Haudenosaunee? What challenges have resulted from the fact that the protected lands of the Mohawk Nation are located on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border?
What do you think of how the women treat one another in Kahnawake? What about how the male characters treat women, from Mohawk men like Thunder and Butterhead to outsiders like Leon and James? How do people treat one another in your community?
How do the four main characters show empathy and gratitude for each other and for their community? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 10, 2007
- Cast : Brittany Leborne , Jennifer Pudavick , Heather White , Maika Harper
- Network : Peacock
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Gratitude
- TV rating :
- Last updated : April 12, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate