Kwis (Gwis) and Tiio (dee-oh) came to life in 1997 through funding from USEPA for the SRMT’s Environment Division to develop a solid waste education program that conveyed environmental messages with humor.

Brad Bonaparte, a local Mohawk artist, was contracted to develop cartoon strips to deliver these messages in a humorous and appealing way. Brad, with the help of his brother Darren, created Kwis and Tiio. Thecartoons were finished and published in 1998. They were a hit with community members. Brad and Darren’s original cartoons were featured first as a series of five cartoons and an informational poster.

The Tribe received another USEPA grant to continue developing the Kwis and Tiio cartoon series. This second grant allowed development of cartoons related to recycling and energy efficiency issues. Unfortunately, Brad was unable to continue the series so the Environment Division hired another artist. Eric “Karonhiio” Laughing was contracted to continue the series. Eric drew 10 more cartoons and 2 posters featuring Kwis and Tiio. These cartoons were completed and published locally and throughout the country in the summer of 2000.

Kwis is a Mohawk slang for pig and Tiio is a Mohawk suffix that means something nice or pleasant. The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe copyrights Kwis & Tiio.

Please click on the links below to see the cartoons.