 Brother Wolf Wolves - an Introduction Communication First Nations and Wolves Wolf Links Adopt a Wolf Monty Sloan's Photographs Thoughts |
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First Nations & the Wolf
The Iroquois Confederacy
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The Iroquois word which is translated in English as "clan" in fact means "Your presence on Earth carries responsibility".
The Clan system has existed within the Iroquois Confederacy for centuries. One of these clans is the Otha yu:ni or the Wolf Family Clan. The deeper meaning of Otha yu:ni in the language speaks of making a path and leading of providing a way for there to be unity on the path for everyone in the house. This path is the journey Ukwehuwe or travel during a lifetime. Otha yu:ni, the wolf, has the responsibility of working to keep the family together and keeping unity among those who must live together. At the same time, the individual is given the opportunity to have their own vision and dreams. In the world of the Creator, Otha yu:ni provides an example of individualism being able to exist within the collective group. Otatshehta is the name of the first Otha yu:ni family clan. The Peacemaker recognized that this family, which is represented by a figure that carries a quiver, which holds two arrows, would be a provider of food as well as the protector of the security of the Nation. This title carries the burden of peace and sustenance. Their responsibility is to ensure there is peace among the families and common agreement as to the direction of travel. Kanyukwe Nyo tu is the name of the second Otha yu:ni family clan. The Peacemaker saw that this family had the responsibility to store the parched corn for sustenance in times when food was scarce. The parched corn was the main food for the long winters and was intended to ensure the long-term survival of people. The corn could be stored and kept for years. This title carries the responsibility for ensuring this tradition is maintained. The stored parched corn represents a foundation for our future. Tehoha kwahtu is the name of the third Otha yu:ni family clan. The Peacemaker recognized this family is the one who had a clear vision into the other side of the path. When the other side of the path is stated, the meaning is taken to be the spiritual side of life including the meaning of the visions, dreams, and events of the people and the nation as a whole. In broad general terms each clan has certain responsibilities. The description of responsibilities provided for each clan is not limited to just those responsibilities described. The brief description of responsibilities is presented as the description of the primary obligations of each of the Clans. These words are presented as a guide for each family clan not as determinative. Each person is encouraged to continue to explore and expand their knowledge on the responsibilities of the Clan system. As the people do this, they will come to a better awareness of their identity. Otha yu:ni or the Wolf Family Clan had responsibilities in the following areas: Thinking; Safety; Public Safety Children; Financial Management; Policy, Internal vs. External; Security Onyota'a:ka Nation, R.R.2, Box 143, Southwold, Ontario, N0L 2G0 |
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