Lead Story #4: In the matrilineal village

Imagine you are of the Bear Clan and you would like to become a partner of someone in the Turtle Clan.

The Clan Mothers get together and decide if the couple would make a good match. Without their consent, you would need to look elsewhere.

Once they agree, prepare a basketful of boiled corn bread to be left outside the door of your potential partner’s longhouse. Then you wait.

If the person of your interest takes the basket inside, that is a good sign. If the basket sits there, you will need to look elsewhere.

If things work out and children are born, they remain in the mother’s longhouse, becoming part of her clan. The mother’s sisters help raise the children.

The male prospect moves into the longhouse of his interest. She belongs to her mother’s longhouse, surrounded by family. The man is the guest.

The Clan Mothers announce to their Clans that you two are going to try and make it as a couple — no gossiping, no harsh words.

If your basket is taken, a basket of corn bread wrapped with corn husks arrives — the consent to becoming partners.

But if the day comes that you showed disrespect, a small bundle of your clothes and goods will be sitting outside the door to her longhouse.

You can only pick up your bundle and head elsewhere.