Music Kit - $59.99 (10% Discounted Price)

Includes: - one 6" rattle made of wood and horn - Iroquois Social Songs 1 & 2 - one package 9 individual Clan Art Cards - one Myths of the Iroquois - one Tales of the Iroquois

Retail Price
Package of nine (9) individual clans: $19.98 (prices to include appropriate tax + shipping)-
ASK ABOUT OUR FUNDRAISING PROGRAM

(Front View)	(Back View)

Clan Cards: Ontario Store Locations (alphabetical)

Brantford: Brant Museum, Brant Tourism, Canadian Military Heritage Museum, Glenhyrst Art Gallery, Wilfred Laurier Brantford Bookstore,
Cayuga: Ruthven Park
Curve Lake: Whetung Gallery
Jordan: Heritage Gift Shop (Historical Museum of The Twenty), Ninavik Native Arts
Kingston: Old Fort Henry
Kitchener: Katatoosh Korner
London: Fanshawe Pioneer Village (Denfield General Store)
Niagara on the Lake: Niagara Historical Society & Museum, The Friends of Fort George - Book and Gift Shop
Six Nations Territory: Chiefswood Museum, Community Living Gift Shop, Iroqraft Six Nations, Riverside Cottage Gifts, Woodland Cultural Center
Stoney Creek: Battlefield House Museum & Park * Art work by Raymond Skye, Six Nations Territory along the Grand & printed in Canada

United States Store Locations (New York State)

Akwesasne Museum (Hogansburg), Iroquois Indian Museum (Howes Cave), Seneca Iroquois Museum (Salamanca), Seneca Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls) Smithsonian Museum, (Washington State)

Books

Costume of the Iroquois and How to Make Them - $3.95

The Code of Handsome Lake, The Seneca Prophet - $7.95

The Constitution of the Five Nations (The Great Law) - $10.95

Iroquois Crafts - $6.95

Seneca Splint Basketry - $3.95

Roll Call of the Iroquois Chiefs - $9.95

Myths of the Iroquois - $4.95

Wampum Belts - $5.95

Iroquois use of Maize and other Food Plants - $7.95

Masked Medicine Societies of the Iroquois - $5.95

Legends of the Iroquois - $9.95

Midwinter Rite of the Cayuga Longhouse - $11.95

The Iroquois Book of Rites - $14.95

Iroquois Women: An Anthology - $15.95

Iroquois Foods and Food Preparation - $11.95

Tales of the Iroquois - $9.95

Mohawk Reporter: The Six Nations Columns of George Beaver - $12.95

White Roots of Peace - $9.95

Flint and Feather (Pauline Johnson) - $4.95

The False Faces of the Iroquois - $49.95

Scalping and Torture - $6.95

Hair Pipes and Plains Indian Adornment - $4.95

Indian Use of Wild Plants - $7.95

The Six Nations Iroquois Clans Program was initiated by Zig Misiak and Raymond Skye, two people who are passionate about learning and sharing their knowledge of Native history and culture.

ZIG MISIAK’s experience in historic re-enacting spans several decades. As a historical activist he sits on numerous boards and organizations, consulting with people who document history through film, books, re-enactments, and educational publications. He has been working with educators over the past several years to augment existing curriculum relative to First Nations, specifically the Haudenosaunee.

(Ohwendonh:deyo) RAYMOND R. SKYE, Haudenosaunee Artist, from Six Nations Grand River Territory, who credits much of the inspiration for his artwork to the traditional teachings of his father (Seneca) and mother (Tuscarora). He has distinguished himself as an artist who bases his work on extensive research of both oral and written sources pertaining to Haudenosaunee history and culture.

The Six Nations Iroquois Clans Program was made possible by the generous contribution of our Benefactor, King & Benton, who sponsored the development of the curriculum guide, DVD and CD. King & Benton and several Six Nations organizations are working together on projects that are increasing understanding, creating opportunities for collaboration and economic growth.

Special Thanks to John Caruana, whose extensive experience as Superintendent of Curriculum was invaluable in the development of the Six Nations Iroquois Clans Program. John created the Lesson Plans and Activities for each of the Stories, aligning Native Content and educational processes to meet provincial mandates and guidelines.

The following people or organizations made significant contributions to content, applicability to curriculum, and/or formatting, piloted the program or helped with refinements for the classroom (alphabetical order):

Individuals:

• Fines Misiak, Lin, BA, Corporate Educator & Communications Consultant
• Hill Sr., Richard W. Tuscarora Nation, Beaver Clan- an Artist, Historian, Teacher, Lecturer on Six Nations History, Coordinator – Joint Steward Board – City of Hamilton and the Six Nations Council of Chiefs
• Martin Hill, Dawn PhD, Mohawk Nation, Wolf Clan, Academic Director, Indigenous Studies Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
• Misiak, Shaylyn, Early Childhood Education, Mohawk College.
• Montour, Deneen, Onondaga Nation, Deer Clan, Grand Erie District School Board, Native Advisor
• Montour, Rick Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan, PhD Candidate, Lecturer (ABD), Indigenous Studies Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
• Rice, Brian PhD, Mohawk Nation, Dept of Education, U of Winnipeg
• Tehahenteh, Frank Miller, Mohawk, Turtle, Mohawk Language Instructor
• Tessaro, Mary Lynn PhD, Professor, Concurrent Education, Nipissing University

Schools:

• Braemar House, Annette Minutillo, Executive Director,
• Holy Cross & St. Mary’s, Principal Rob Santilli, Brant Haldimand Norfolk CDSB
• Princess Elizabeth Public School, Principal Charles Irvine and Teacher Cory Judson, Grand Erie DSB

The following people supported the program through its various stages (alphabetical order):

Clare, Dianna, Teacher; Cornelius, Catherine, (Oneida of the Thames, Wolf Clan), Indian Art-I-Crafts; Dabor, Sandy, Elementary School Teacher; Dalia, Dina, PhD, Principal, St Johns College; Hill, Stacey, (Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan), Language Teacher/Cultural Resource; Kings, Patricia, Superintendent of Education, Brant Haldimand Norfolk CDSB; Levac, Dave, MPP Brant; Lostracco, John, Principal, Niagara CDSB; Martin, Evelyn, Superintendent of Schools Indian and Northern Affairs Canada; Millar, Lynn, Elementary School Teacher; Paquette, Lois, School Teacher, St. Mary’s; Robert, Ron (Metis), Indian Art-I-Crafts of Ontario; St. Amand, Lloyd, MP Brant; Sky, Roxanne, (Cayuga Nation, Bear Clan); Thomas, George (Mohawk Nation, Wolf Clan), British Native Allies Re-enactor; White-Eye, Leslie, Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs; Whitlow, Paula (Mohawk Nation) Chiefswood Museum N.H.S, Curator, Six Nations Territory along the Grand River.

The following individuals generously donated their time to create the DVD and/or CD:

Native Educators, Artists and Elders: Gallant, Lorrie, (Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan), Author/Illustrator/Story Teller; Hill, Rene, (Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan), Story Teller/ Cultural Resource Person; Tehahenteh, Frank Miller, Mohawk, Turtle, Mohawk Language Instructor; Monture, Don, (Mohawk Nation, Bear Clan), Elder; Ohwendonh:deyo, Raymond Skye, (Tuscarora/Seneca), Artist; Tekonwaniahe:sen, Stacy Hill, (Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan), Educator.
Students: Bomberry, Kirstin, Student, (Cayuga, Turtle Clan), Assumption College; Godrihwagehoh, Kiana Sky, (Cayuga Nation, Bear Clan); Hanehe:gwahs, Hunter Sky, (Cayuga Nation, Bear Clan); and the students from Princess, Elizabeth Public School of the Grand Erie DSB: Grabauskas, Ashley; Orennaha:wi, Bailey Hill, (Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan); Rahsenni:saks, Daris Hill, (Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan); Hill, Jocelynn, Mudford, Henry: Staats, Silence: Van Every, Carter; Van Every, Noah; Walton, Travis.
Re-enactors: Balena, Lynda, British Native Allies Re-enactor; Foley, Lenny, (Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan) Haudenosaunee Re-enactor; Jensen,,Nancy, British Native Allies Re-enactor; Klymer, Debbie, British Native Allies Re-enactor; Lundberg, Kim, British Native Allies Re-enactor, PhD, U of Western Ontario; Summerhayes,,Bert, British Native Allies Re-enactor; Wooldridge, Douglas, British Native Allies Re-enactor.

Locations: Narrative location courtesy of the Woodland Cultural Centre and Historical footage at Kanata Village and Interpretive Centre in cooperation with the City of Brantford.

LESSON PLANS:

Sample first page of a “Dramatization/Readers Theatre” of the forming of the clans.
Creation of the Haudenosaunee (Ho-deh-no-shoh-neh) Clan System

DRAMATIZATION / READERS THEATRE

Characters:

Setting: A village of the Onkwehon:we (Ong-gway-hong-gway) People on Turtle Island (North America)

Narrator:

Clans have existed for a long time before the Peacemaker, but they had stopped
working properly. At that time, the people were called Onkwehon:we (Ong-gway-hong-gway), which means the Original Ones. After the Peacemaker delivered his message and introduced the Great Peace, he reaffirmed the clans and told the people that they would also be known as the Haudenosaunee (Ho-deh-no-shoh-neh) (longhouse builders).

Narrator 2:

The Original Beings lived in what is today known as North America. They lived their lives facing many hardships and many people died. This left them constantly sad and grieving. The understood that life is a cycle and that eventually everything grows old and dies.

Narrator:

One day a young man came before the people. He told them that he might have an answer for their grief. He shared his ideas with the people.

Young Man:

I have observed life in the forest for many years. I have studied it closely. I have watched the animals and saw how they worked in groups to catch food and help one another.

First Person:

That may be true, but how can that help us? We are sad because of our hard times. We have lost many of our people.

Young Man:

I understand your grief and share your sadness. Nature is a great teacher and I have learned many lessons about courage, helping each other and most important of all, how to survive in rough days.

STORIES:

Sample of first page in the “Creation Story”. One of three stories supported by images, DVD, CD, and Students Booklets.

Section 3 - STORIES

3.1 Creation Story

The Haudenosaunee (Ho-deh-no-shoh-neh) story of “Creation” has been passed down from one generation to the next, for many hundreds of years. There are many other Creation stories from around the world – each one of which is to be respected. The story being presented here is taken from the oral teachings of the Iroquois, properly known as the Haudenosaunee. They are also called Onkwehon:we (Ong-gway-hong-gway) (Original Beings).

Native people did not use books to keep track of their history. It was through story telling and honouring their oral tradition that the values and customs of the Haudenosaunee (Ho-deh-no-shoh-neh) were, and still are, passed down.

There is a place, not of this world, in the center of which stands a tree not like any other. Known as the “Tree of Life”, it is considered sacred and is not to be touched. Its caretaker and his wife were expecting a child. Curious about what was under the tree, the woman asked her husband to dig at the roots. He uprooted the tree, creating a large hole. When she leaned over to see what she could see in the hole, the woman lost her footing. Grasping, she grabbed a handful of plants at the edge of the hole, but it did not stop her fall.

The woman plunged for a very, very long time into the darkness below. Finally she saw a huge body of water and a great many birds circling beneath her. The birds knew that they must help, flew up to catch her, and gently carried her down to the water, where a great sea turtle was surfacing. The birds asked the turtle if they could set her on his back, and he agreed.

4REAL
http://www.4real.com/

Brantford Public Library
http://brantford.library.on.ca/contact/

Brant Tourism
http://www.county.brant.on.ca/forvisitors/index.shtml

Brantford Town Crier
http://www.thetowncrier.ca

Indigenous Corporate Training
http://www.ictinc.ca

Last of the Mohicans
http://www.mohicanpress.com

Multi Media Productions
http://digitalduckinc.com/

Pixel Dust Studios
http://www.pixelduststudios.com/

The Design House
The Design House Home

Black Creek Pioneer Village
www.blackcreek.ca

Brantford Museum
http://www.brantmuseum.ca/

Chiefswood National Historic Site
http://www.chiefswood.com/shop.html

Crawford Lake
http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca

Fanshawe Pioneer Village
http://www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca/

Fortress Louisbourg Association
http://www.fortressoflouisbourg.ca

Fort Malden
Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada

Iroquois Museum U.S.A.
http://www.iroquoismuseum.org/

Mohawk Chapel
http://www.mohawkchapel.ca/

Niagara Historical Society
Niagara Historical Society & Museum

Ruthven Park
http://www.ruthvenpark.ca

Woodland Cultural Centre
http://www.woodland-centre.on.ca/index.php

60th Royal American Regiment
http://reenacting.net/60thrar/

Amherst’s 15th Regiment of Foot
http://www.thekingscompany.com

Brant County Branch Ontario Genealogical Society
http://comdir.bfree.on.ca/brantogs/

British Brigade, U.S.A.
British Brigade, Unit Listing

Bulger’s Company Royal Newfoundland Regiment
http://www.battleofgeorgianbay.huronia.com/rnrsite/

Butlers Rangers
http://www.iaw.on.ca/~awoolley/brang/brang.html

Chalmette Battlefield
http://www.nps.gov/jela/chalmette-battlefield.htm

First Regiment Volunteers
http://www.firstregiment.com

First Royal Regiment of Foote
http://www.1stroyals.org

Governor Simcoe Branch UEL
http://www.uelgovsimcoe.org/events.php

The Historica Foundation of Canada
http://www.histori.ca/

Historic Arms Inc.
http://www.historicarms.ca

Historic Association
www.friendsoffortgeorge.ca

Historical Narratives of Upper Canada
http://www.uppercanadahistory.ca

Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada
http://www.imuc.org/

Ontario’s Historical Plaques
http://www.ontarioplaques.com/

Rogers Rangers
www.rogersrangers.org

Royal Scots
http://www.royalscotsgrenadiers.com/

Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site
www.sacketsharborbattlefield.org

The Traveling Historian
http://www.travellinghistorian.com

United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada
http://www.uelac.org/

Wasaga Under Siege
http://www.wasagaundersiege1812.com/

Aboriginal Education
www.yourschools.ca/swarn

Aboriginal Multi-Media Society (AMMSA)
www.ammsa.com

Aboriginal Student Services Wilfred Laurier University Brantford
Aboriginal Services - Home

Canadian Aboriginal Festival
http://www.canab.com

First Nations Writer
Living Traditions Writing Group

Iroqraft
Iroqrafts

Mohawk Language Program
www.onkwawenna.info

Native Television
http://www.natv.org/

Native Youth Media
www.redwiremag.com

Six Nations of the Grand River Tourism
www.sntourism.com

Six Nations & New Credit News
http://www.tekanews.com/

American Revolution Apparel Worn
Top Row: Joanne Braund, Wendy Moore, Catherine Paterson, Lin Fines Misiak, Katie.
Front Row: Julia Moreland, Trish & Eden Braund, Kiley Armstrong, Allison Cornish.
Other members not in photo: Jennifer Taylor, Joanne Weldon, Joanna Holman, Aleah Astle

The ladies of this organization are one of the most authentic in North America. There is a definite distinction with the clothing worn during the French & Indian Wars, American Revolution, and the War of 1812. As slight as these details may appear to the untrained observer they are never the less there and are very important. It is this groups mandate to maintain the integrity of these re-enactment differences in order to uphold the integrity of our ancestors not change historical fact for the sake of convenience. Research has been intense and recorded for public consumption and discussion. They realize that time periods overlap and larger eastern communities were more up to date with fashion than those isolated in the wilderness. It is therefore important to substantiate those differences when they occur but not try to change the overall fashion/style when prevailing ones are dominant.

French and Indian War Time Period
Left to right: Kate, Lin, Jennifer, Lily, Wendy, Catharine, Aleah

French and Indian War time period at Fort Louisbourg July 2008…our ladies in period clothing noting the differences between American Revolution and War of 1812 time line.

Lieutenant Zig Misiak shown as a Caldwell’s Ranger officer. This new branch of Caldwell’s Rangers is in the formation stage out of Brantford Ontario. Sergeant Paterson and Corporal Leigh Moore along with a dozen more re-enactors are poised to support the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. The Brantford based unit will work closely with a senior contemporary Caldwell’s Rangers unit based out of Fort Malden, Amherstburg, under Captain John McLeod. The Brantford based unit anticipates a close relationship with Six Nations youth, along the Grand River Territory, encouraging them to get involved in the upcoming anniversary.

The original rangers were formed by William Caldwell who had been a captain in Butler’s Rangers and had settled in Essex County after the American Revolution. He then commanded the Western Rangers sometimes called Caldwell’s Rangers. Caldwell fought along side the Natives as did the Butlers Rangers.

There is little authenticated documentation as to the clothing and equipment carried by the rangers. It is known that the rangers were issued a “bucket cap” (probably a cut down infantry shako without the brass plate or feather hackle), grey woolen trousers and a green woolen tunic, and a black leather bayonet belt and cartridge box. This equipment was issued only once; after that, they were told to re-supply themselves from the enemy.

U.S. 16th

Sergeant Rick Thompson’s re-enactment unit established in Brantford in 1998. Along with Corporal, James Braund, and many other re-enactors they portray the U.S. 16th formed in 1813 in Philadelphia during the War of 1812. This unit fought in Stoney Creek, Fort Erie, Fort York, and Chryslers Farm all located in Upper Canada and part of the U.S. invasion. These dedicated re-enactors continue to participate at historical events annually throughout North America.

Butlers Rangers, 1777 - 1784

Captain Scott Paterson and Zig Misiak, Lieutenant Native liaison to the Six Nations, are shown in this photo with two distinct ranger uniforms. The well known green coated unit featuring red facings is the oldest Canadian Butlers Rangers re-enactment group endorsed by the Butler family and other ranger descendants as well as many high profile historians.

Butlers Rangers, McDonell’s Co., works very closely with a Native re-enactment group called British Native Allies. There is also a contemporary strong and healthy relationship with the Six Nations along the Grand River Territory.

The Canadian ranger unit was gifted two stands of colours, one of which is in the photos background, by John Butler’s direct descendant and honourary colonel to McDonell’s Co., Lorne Butler. The originals were believed destroyed at Butlers homestead in Niagara on the Lake in 1813.

We are privileged to be associated with sister Butlers Rangers re-enactment groups in the United States with which we have had a long good relationship.

We are members of both the Northern Brigade in Canada and the British Brigade in the United States.

Rogers Rangers - Captain Paterson is standing on the beachhead after an amphibious landing during the French & Indian War period, as a Rogers Ranger. The French were defeated during this particular siege of 1758 resulting in the fall of Fortress Louisbourg located in Cape Breton Nova Scotia. The fall of Quebec City followed shortly after. Rogers Rangers were British troops.

This particular unit of Rogers Rangers re-enactment group was established by Scotty in Brantford, Ontario, Canada in 1995. Sergeant Zig Misiak was his second at that time has since passed on that role to Sergeant Rick Thompson.

The 60th (Royal American) Regiment of Foot -  also later known as The King’s Royal Rifle Corps. 2nd and 3rd battalions were present at the battles of Louisbourg and Quebec City. Regiment of Foot was ordered to dress exactly like a regiment of the British Army, except that the uniform was to have no regimental lace, in recognition of the regiment’s proposed role in the forest warfare of North America. Later as they lingered in North America they threw away their heavy regimental coats, cutting their tri corns to hats, wearing leather leggings and moccasins.

(James Braund)

Bulger’s Company Royal Newfoundland Regiment
http://www.battleofgeorgianbay.huronia.com/rnrsite/

First Regiment Volunteers
http://www.firstregiment.com

Fort Malden
Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada

Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada
http://www.imuc.org/

Royal Scots
http://www.royalscotsgrenadiers.com/

War of 1812 Bicentennial Official Site
www.visit1812.com

War of 1812
http://www.historyofwaronline.com

Wasaga Under Siege
http://www.wasagaundersiege1812.com/

American Revolution - Who were these green coated soldiers? Why was their relationship so strong with the Six Nations during and after the American Revolution? What was their significance, how they formed, how they fought and what happened to them after the war?

Rangers and the Six Nations - What did they each learn from one another during the war? What has kept their respective legends positive today?

Reenactments of History - Hear and see the story of Zig Misiak and all his adventures as a reenactor over several decades. As the Native liaison officer to the Six Nations he portrays a historically accurate
18th century role one that carries him into modern times.

Photo: Zig Misiak as Butlers Rangers officer, liaison to the Six Nations

Slide presentations include many colourful and action filled reenactment photos as well as historical drawings and maps.

Zig Misiak as a ranger out on campaign Zig will come dressed in several of his authentic uniforms: As an officer, as a ranger out in the wilderness or any other mixed version that he wears while out at historical venues reenacting.

Photo: Zig Misiak as ranger on campaign

$500.00 full day - includes

9 a.m. to noon - lunch break - 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

1. One on one consultation, group workshops/lectures, class room support, review of Native educational resource material. Visual presentations and handouts.
2. Outline and implementation of Six Nations Iroquois Clans program.

$300.00 1/2 day

Either 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (time frames are flexible)

Includes variations of a full days schedule according to school requirements.

Transportation cost (round trip)

1st 100 km no charge

Each additional km over 100km .40 cents pr/km

Creation Story - This beautiful story takes the audience from the Sky World, Falling Woman, the Creator and the making of Turtle Island and mankind and all the things on Mother Earth.

Clans - The Haudenosaunee culture was based on a matriarchy. Women were the givers of life and the prime caretakers of Mother Earth. Described in this presentation how “the young man” presented the understanding of animals as related to the forming of clans. How clans and Clan Mothers functioned in the Haudenosaunee society and what active and important roles they have today.

The Great Peace - The audience will follow the Peacemaker, Hayenwah:tha , Jikonsaseh, the use of wampum, and the formation of the confederacy under the Great Law of Peace.

The Nation Council & the Grand Council - Role of the Clan Mothers, warriors, Royanni (Chiefs) and the family unit. Consensus of rule and the collision with European law and politics.

First contact - pro’s & con’s. How did contact benefit the First Nations? What benefits did the Europeans get voluntarily, forcibly, by compromise?

American Revolution - Colonialists, British control, Six Nations allies, major conflicts and the result of the wars end and its effects on the loyalists and Six Nations.

Captain Joseph Brant - A man of divided loyalties. Who was he? Why was he so influential? Myths and facts about the man. How is he viewed today by the Six Nations?

Haldimand Proclamation - How did it become? What was its intent? How did the land boundaries change? What effects are evident today?

Warriors - (Totiskenrakehte) Were they just fighting men? Their role in peace time. How their roll changed as the colonization by Europeans escalated? What is their role today?

Wampum - In the beginning it was clearly sacred and was not currency. Origins and varieties of wampum. Their meaning and use of wampum. What remains of the understanding today?

Haudenosaunee village life - appearance of villages and dwellings in 17th & 18th century. Crops, locations, village structure and family units.

War of 1812-1814 - The Haudenosaunee alliance with the British and defense of mutual territory. The preservation of Six Nations Territory along the Grand and Canada as we know it today. Why was their military alliance so crucial?

French & Indian War - French fight Britain for control of the continent. Six Nations decisions during and after Britain wins. Effect on Six Nations relationship with the British. Security of their territories. New treaties and agreements.

Native contributions - Six Nations contributions took many forms one major one being their contribution as allies in conflicts that were not of their making.

Statements made on this site are based on many decades of research both from written sources and oral sources. The oral information has been documented over the years from Haudenosaunee some of whom have passed on. It is important to note that Zig Misiak is in constant contact and dialogue with Haudenosaunee and others on a daily basis and every effort is made to keep an open mind concerning every aspect of their history and culture. Having a “Good Mind” results in unbiased and accurate information being presented not only on this web but through his lectures/workshops.

As no images of Brant exist prior to1775 Scott Paterson created possible
likeness of Brant as a teen.

Not a sanctioned Royanni (Chief) in the Confederacy Brant did have the title of captain which was given to him by the British during the American Rebellion of 1775 - 1783.

Not without controversy he is touted as being a steadfast defender of the Haudenosaunee (the
longhouse builders) well as a man with “divided loyalties” creating situations that are contestable today.

Items belonging to Joseph Brant
(courtesy Royal Ontario Museum, Canada)

The Six Nations, as we commonly know them, were known as Onkwehon:we, the “Real People” before the coming of the Peacemaker. The Peacemaker after getting the original five nations agreeing to the Great Peace said that they would be now called the Haudenosaunee, people of the extended lodge or home.

One of the settlements of the Six Nations is called Six Nations along the
Grand River Territory.

Many refer to the Six Nations as the Five Nations as the Tuscarora were brought under the leagues protection early in the 18th century. The Tuscarora have a voice in council but only through the Cayuga and Oneida.

The Haldimand tract is in fact a strip of land along the Grand River that should be referred to as the Haldimand Proclamation. It is neither a treaty nor a deed.

Haudenosaunee life was based on a matriarchal society which had been tampered with over the past several centuries damaging its overall effectiveness. The Clan Mothers are certainly in existence today with a strong move to re-establish their position in the resurgence of the traditional culture.

The Haudenosaunee (Six Nations) have not been responsible for breaking any treaties what so ever with their British allies since the 18th century.

Today the Haudenosaunee have 9 basic clans, (Turtle, Bear, Snipe, Eel, Heron, Beaver, Hawk, Wolf, Deer). There
are others for example the Turtle Clans has, Painted Turtle, Spotted Turtle.

The Haudenosaunee celebrate “Thanksgiving” every day. They have always maintained their role as caretakers of “Mother Earth” on behalf of their Creator.

Warriors did much more than fight. A stereotypical description is painted men yelling and screaming with raised tomahawks. Warriors had very important roles as “peace keepers” as they made sure that the “Great Peace” was adhered to. They often became the liaison between the Clan Mothers and the Royanni around council be it the Clan Council or the Grand Council of all Nations. They kept “their” politicians honest and could depose them through the direction of the Clan Mothers immediately.

Wampum belts were in the thousands as not only did the Haudenosaunee present them during councils be it all Native or non and the British, for example, were also known for making wampum passing them to their allies the Haudenosaunee. Absolutely not currency as we know it the value of them changed slightly from spiritual/political to having monetary value when the Europeans started to mass produce them.

In the Haudenosaunee story of creation they knew of our existence as the Creator had been responsible for making the “Red, white, black and yellow” races. They also knew that trouble was in the works when Europeans were predicted to contact with them.

Turtle Island is in fact more than just North America. At one time it was one land mass as the “Sky Woman” fell on one turtles back which expanded and eventually divided into other land masses as humanities needs were met by the Creator. Haudenosaunee, Six Nations, Iroquois, in spite of residential schools, disease, broken treaties and promises are making huge advance. Over the last 1/2 century lawyers, doctors, educators, politicians, and many many other professionals and other valuable trades people have been created through their undying focus on surviving, thriving and regaining their humanness. World wide there are 270 million Indigenous Peoples in about 79 countries that are breaking the yoke of colonialism and attempted genocide. Much more needs to be done with the hope that in “seven generations” it will show that equity, fairness and justice has been done for all.

“The Butler’s Rangers were formed in 1777 by Colonel John Butler, during the American Revolution they continued to fight along side their allies and friends, the Haudenosaunee until they were disbanded in 1784. They were the “shock troops” of their day and were the toughest, roughest and most focused soldiers of their time. Taught well by their Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) friends they were able to
endure great hardship in a huge territory from Detroit to Albany and hundreds of miles south of the Great Lakes. These Ranger green coated and buckskin clad men were almost shadows rather than flesh and blood. Certainly the rebellion was not forfeited by them as they never lost a major battle.

At the end of the American Revolution the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations) ancestral territory was simply negotiated away, without consultation with the Confederacy, forcing many to move on to land given to them by the Crown north, east and west into what is now known as Canada. Even though the British were no longer at war with their rebellious cousins the Six Nations still clung to the possibility that they would be supported by the British if they continued to fight. Tired, outnumbered, no alliances outside of a few other First Nations the Six Nations yielded to the inevitable and were slowly and painfully robbed of their lands. These warriors, both Haudenosaunee and Butler’s Rangers, continued a friendship that lasted throughout the war of 1812. Though not officially Butlers Rangers during that period the ex-rangers of the American Revolution still maintained their friendship and alliances with their Haudenosaunee allies. The Ancestral friendship is maintained today with the recreation of the Butler’s Rangers and the only sanctioned Mohawk re-enactment group known as The British Native Allies, lead by our friend Okwaho.

We, the (Canadian) Butlers Rangers of the North have developed a great friendship with our fellow re-enactors (men, women and children) in the United States. Not only are we solid members of the Northern Brigade in Canada but of the British Brigade in the U.S.A. For years we have met at events and share our campfires, stories, history and the love of our hobby. We cherish that friendship very much. This unbroken contact has allowed all the rangers units, McDonell’s and the rangers companies in the U.S. to keep current on matters of historical importance and maintain the integrity of the ranger ancestors.

Captain Scott Paterson, our company commander, is a gifted artist and responsible for the four black and white images on this page.

A gold plated button said to have belonged to Captain Wm Caldwell of the Butlers Rangers
as well as an original breast plate (original owner unknown).

Butler’s Ranges Images

Top three images:
Testimonial letter from Jon Butler (click letter to enlarge); Jon Butler, 5th great grandson of Col. John Butler & Zig Misiak; Kerry Butler, Jon Butler, Sam Guagliano, Vanessa Butler, Lin Misiak, Zig Misiak holding Butlers Regimental colours, Loren Butler, Vicki Butler @ John Butlers homestead and cairn at Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada, May 2008

Far right: A photo was taken at Niagara on the Lake in 1996 on the 200th anniversary of John Butlers death. Our fellow rangers from the United States as well as the Kings Rangers paraded across a flooded road after we presented the colours over John Butlers burying ground. It shows Zig Misiak in the centre, Terry Hey to his left and Scott Paterson just behind Zig’s shoulder. We, McDonell’s Company, of Butlers Rangers were gifted the only known recreated stand of colours in the world by our honourary Colonel, Lorne C. Butler. Our colonel was laid to rest in Brantford in 2007. We were present at his funeral representing all Butlers Rangers re-enactment units on both sides of the border. Okwaho represented the Mohawk Nation standing by us as always.

The colours are sewn to scale one being the Kings Colours and the other, to the right, the Butlers Rangers regimental colours. It is felt that the original colours were likely taken or destroyed during the War of 1812 when the Americans occupied what is known today as Niagara on the Lake. John Butlers home has recently been excavated and appears to have been burnt during that time. No evidence of colours or uniform were discovered other than a small, dome shaped, gold plated button with the words “Butlers Rangers”.

Next left: A rare image of a ranger on horse back.

Far right: John Butlers bronze, Ottawa, and Zig Misiak, unveiled in 2007. Here’s an interesting bit of trivia. The artist used Zig’s gorget, breastplate and took photos of Zig in preparing for the bronze casting.

Centre: A worn out ranger on campaign.

Left: Scott Paterson created this unique and accurate image of John Butler as he would have looked in a British Provincial uniform
during the American Revolution..

Bottom three images: Far right - A Butlers Ranger emblem showing the ranger badge shrouded by turkey and eagle feathers symbolizing the close friendship between the Haudenosaunee and the Butlers Rangers during the American Revolution.

Note: Other than the gold button and breast plate none of the drawings or photos are to be reproduced without written consent from Real Peoples History, Zig Misiak,
patent registered.

Steve Smith, turtle clan, Mohawk Nation born and still lives on the Six Nations territory along the Grand. His parents were Oliver and Elda Smith. Oliver Smith who was an elementary school teacher and principal, instilled in his students a sense of pride for their native culture and history and language. The O.M. Smith School on Six Nations is a dedication of his many contributions. Elda Smith excelled artistically with a strong desire to preserve native art and crafts and devoted her life to researching, experimenting and teaching her native culture.

Iroquois pottery had become a lost art to the Iroquois people for at least two hundred years due to European influence and their metal cooking ware. Elda took regular pottery classes and began the arduous task of researching the history of Iroquois pottery. She studied from books and libraries, from museum pieces and dug for old pottery shards. After years of experimentation, she developed a traditional style of Iroquois pottery using modern techniques such as an electric wheel and electric kiln. Oliver and Elda named their studio “Mohawk Pottery” and it has become a part of Iroquois history. The highlight of Elda’s career was when the Canadian Government asked her to present a piece of her own creation to Her Majesty the Queen in 1969 in recognition for efforts in reviving a 3000-year-old tradition of Iroquois pottery.

As a teenager, Steve worked in his parent’s pottery studio. After completing high school, he worked at the high steel trade and married. A labor strike gave him the opportunity to return to pottery making under the helpful guidance of his mother and Italian artisan Mr. Rinaldo Shennelly. Steve began to experiment with a variety of clays using different decorating and firing techniques. He soon developed a unique style of pottery of which he has become well know. Steve has created his own method of smoke firing pieces to produce a black ancient appearance to his traditional works. His interest in Japanese raku pottery has resulted in a beautiful blend of raku and native pottery. Steve’s award-winning pottery has been featured in a TV Ontario Special and Global TV, along with many newspaper articles. Steve has gained a wealth of knowledge about his native heritage and their distinctive worldview in which he preserves on his pottery therefore the name, “Talking Earth Pottery.”

In 1977, Steve was an honored guest at the Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen in a “Tribute to Young Canadians Who Have Achieved Excellence in the Arts and Science.” His artwork is found in museums, galleries, corporations and private collections throughout the world.

Steve enjoys stone carving and has created several beautiful alabaster sculptures. He also sculpts with deer and moose antlers and many of his pottery pieces are adorned with his bone carvings. He attempts to reach new heights to his creations through constant experimentation and the deep exploration of the earth.

Technique

The white clay is translucent porcelain, the finest and most expensive of all clays. The colours are slips (liquid clay) with natural mineral colourants. Every colour has two to four layers, each layer being burnished (polished). So on one piece there can be 10 to 20 fine layers of clay. They are a blending of sgraffito and carving.

Lorne originally planned to become a teacher but had a change of heart in 1989 when he enrolled in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at the University of Alberta. Shortly before his graduation in 1993 he landed a role in Twelfth Night at Toronto’s Shakespeare in the Park.

The rest is history. Lorne is a well rounded actor who moves quite easily from comedy roles such as Blackfly’s ‘Chief Smash-Your-Face-In’, to more serious character’s like ‘Little Bad Man’ in the Big Bear mini-series. Lorne, a Cree from out west also played Tecumseh in the all important national history documentary series: Canada “A People’s History”.

Lorne has shared the screen with 5 Oscar nominated actors: Al Pachino, Hilary Swank, Robin Williams, Susan Sarandan, Gary Sinese.

Lorne, is married to the beautiful and talented singer and actress Cheri Maracle.

Lorne, along with the rest of his Corner Gas co-stars, was nominated for a 2007 Gemini Award in the category of “Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Series for the episode “Gopher It”. Cardinal is also a rugby union enthusiast. He played for the Strathcona Druids. Lorne won’t tell me how old he is so I will say that he’s older than me. I really don’t think he is but until he says different I will hold that thought (Zig Misiak).

Six Nations Artist

Six Nations Grand River Territory

Ontario, Canada

Raymond Skye (Tuscarora/Seneca) drawing a Clan Mother.

About Raymond R. Skye

Born in 1947 at Six Nations Grand River Territory in Southern Ontario, Raymond has worked diligently to distinguish himself as an artist of talent and ability. Self taught and self disciplined, he has chosen the drawing media and techniques with which to express his fascination for the real image. His appreciation of wildlife, portraiture, architecture and still life has given him a tremendous range of imagery. He juxtaposes and blends reality and illusion to present to the viewer his passion and romance for history.

Raymond’s earlier works are reminiscent of the much disciplined developmental period in which he limited himself to pencil and charcoal to conquer line and tone. He still enjoys the challenges that art brings to him as he evolves into pastels, watercolour, acrylics and coloured pencil. An articulate draftsman, his images possess such detail that they become almost surrealistically photographic.

His father was a member of the Seneca Nation, and his mother was Tuscarora. Raymond says his father was very knowledgeable in the ways of his people. He credits much of the inspiration for his artwork to the traditional teachings of his parents. He firmly claims those teachings have given him a strong cultural foundation from which to work from. Raymond now lives in Brantford Ontario, which borders the Six Nations Grand River community. There, in a small studio he continues to pursue his artwork and other projects relating to his culture.

Tom Hill, Museum Director, Woodland Cultural Centre

Accomplishments & Projects

Although praise has been directed many times at Raymond’s drawings and paintings, he finds it most gratifying as his work evolves towards a more educational perspective. This has been the case now for the last ten years or so. For instance, back in 1990, he produced a series of drawings and paintings on Emily Pauline Johnson. Pauline Johnson was born in 1861at Six Nations Grand River territory. She was one of four children born to a Mohawk father who was also a Confederacy Chief. Her mother was English. She grew to become one of Canada’s most beloved poets and toured across Canada for almost seventeen years including the United States. Her journey even took her to London England.

Raymond’s artwork of Pauline caught the eye of a lady named Sheila Johnston, who at the time was doing a presentation on Pauline’s life, poetry and prose. This meeting soon led to a partnership that took on the title of “Buckskin & Broadcloth, A Celebration of E. Pauline Johnson - Tekahionwake.” This audio/visual presentation had Sheila providing her voice as the audio, talking about Pauline’s life and reciting some of her poems, with Raymond providing his artwork as a visual back drop. As part of the presentation Raymond also spoke to the audience on the history of Iroquois culture.

In the summer of 1991, in Toronto, Raymond and Sheila met up with a Russian scholar who at that time was also doing research on Pauline Johnson. After a lengthy meeting, this scholar extended an invitation to both of them to come to Moscow and present Buckskin & Broadcloth to some Russian audiences. It took Sheila and Raymond almost a year of fund raising, but they finally managed to raise enough money to bring their presentation to Moscow Russia in the summer of 1992. After five years of presentations across Canada, Raymond and Sheila finally retired the Pauline project in 1995.

As time progressed, Raymond once again found himself involved in yet another project. This time the idea came from a triptych (three panels) he had produced. The inspiration for this artwork came from a dream. The title of this triptych “The Great Peace…The Gathering of Good Minds” opened up the door for the creation of an educational CD-ROM of the same title.
Jeff Burnham and Ray initiated this community project back in 1996 and it took over three years to complete. The result was a CD-ROM that presents the history, culture and spirituality of the Iroquois/Haudenosaunee people.

Raymond is currently working on another community project which began in 2002. This project delves into the history and origin of wampum. The title of this project is: “WAMPUM-A Record of Iroquois/Haudenosaunee History.” With this pilot project, Raymond, along with his project partner, Richard W. Hill Sr., proposes to establish, develop and maintain what is termed as a “Six Nations Virtual Archive” on Six Nations/Iroquois history. A series of multi-media productions will be produced that will enable Six Nations community members to have increased access to historical documents, maps, photographs, artwork, charts and interpretive essays on significant events in Iroquois history. Educators, students and writers alike will definitely benefit from such a comprehensive teaching resource.

Art Work (Click on image for a larger view)

Chief Dan George (24″ x 30″) $150.00	Pauline Johnson (21.5″ x 26″) $125.00	Chief One Bull (19″ x 25″) $110.00
Generation to Generation (Clan Mothers) (18.5″ x 21.5″) paper print $225.00 (18.5″ x 21.5″) canvas print $295.00