Page 41 - Restorative Journey: Indigenous Educational Wellness

The role of their president (Ranatakáryas) was loosely modelled on the role of Atatárho. However, unlike the U.S. president, Atatárho remained equal to the other titles and was to serve and unite the people.
The next level are the roles of Ronwatihtsi’okón:’a – the Elder Brothers:
• Kanyen’kehá:ka(Mohawk):Peopleof the Flint
• Onoñda’gega’ (Onondaga): People of the Hills or Mountain
• Onöndowa’ga’ (Seneca): People of the Great Hill
Shakoti’ken’okón:’a – The Younger Brothers:
• On^yota’a:ka (Oneida): People of the
Standing Stone
• Gayogohó:no (Cayuga): People of the Great Swamp, also called People of the Pipe
The Supreme Court was modelled after
the Yotiyanérhshon (Clanmothers),
with one great difference: The Clanmothers were all women and are still responsible for confirming or, if necessary, deposing the chiefs.
These ancient models of governance are still used in Haudenosaunee territories that span from Ontario into parts of Quebec, Upper New York State, and Wisconsin.
“We have a responsibility to prepare our children to be self-sufficient in the modern world.
But we have to make sure they have a strong base in who we are before they leave to get that Western education.”
– Carol Jacobs
Cayuga, Bear Clanmother
Figure 21: Peacemaker and Tsikónhsase (Mother of Nations), corn husk mixed medium by Elizabeth Doxtater
Commemoration • Education • Healing/Wellness 33