What are the family clans?
Narrated text:
“Among the Haudenosaunee the clan system is an ancient tradition of matrilineal descent that has maintained the social, political, economic, and spiritual cohesion of the people for centuries.” – Theresa McCarthy (Onondaga)
“The word otara in Mohawk means land, clay or earth as well as clan and in asking an individual what clan they belong to (oh nisen’taroten), one is literally asking ‘what is the outline or contour of your clay?’ referring to the land you can access and the territory to which you belong.” – Deborah Doxtator (Grand River Mohawk)
Rights of the Family Clan (click for more info)
– Descent of blood that determines citizenship
– Possession of official titles of the Clan leaders
– Own the home and all of the furnishings
– Children belong to mother’s family
– Use of clan lands
– Food distribution and sharing
– Right to adopt foreigners or prisoners
– Power to forbid brothers and sons from going to war
– Power to maintain healthy relationship with the earth
– Right to nominate, confirm, and depose male Chief