Gary Hunt at the Outpost of Freedom on the Onondaga Reservation, New York
Date: October 5,1993 Phone: (315) xxx-xxxxIn the United States of America we have the Constitution for the United States. The Onondaga have a similar document called "The Constitution of the Confederacy by the Peacemaker." This "Peace" pre-dates white mans arrival on the Continent, and has prescribed peace and the rules of government for the Six Nations bound by it. The Onondaga were one of the original participants and were known as the Firekeepers. Birthright is sacred in the document [l6th Wampum], and the society being matriarchal, birthright would be consistent with the heritage of the mother. Tribes were divided into clans and the clan lines flow through the mothers. Clan mothers were selected by the clan as a group, the clan women then nominate candidates for chief, and the clan women then select the chief [50th Wampum]. The Onondaga have 14 chiefs derived from the six original clans. The successor to any position of chief would be chosen from the sons of the clan [22nd Wampum]. It appeared that adoption [24th Wampum] is not an acceptable method for meeting the criteria for selection as a chief. This is further clarified in the 40th Wampum. There is even a provision for the extinction of a clan, which appears to preclude perpetuation by adoption. Further, the 50th Wampum recites the method that shall be used for the selection of all chiefs. This method requires that a council be called of all the women of the clan.
Why would I bring these points forward? It has been pointed out to me the process by which the current chiefs, the Council of Chiefs, have been selected leaves question as to both method of selection and qualification to hold the office of chief of, at least, part of the Council. I have been unable to verify the following with the individuals concerned, however, others have indicated that it is true.
Oren Lyons, father was Onondaga, mother was Seneca. Was appointed by clan mother without her calling for council of clan women.
Kingsley Lyons, father was Onondaga, mother was Seneca. Was appointed by clan mother without her calling for council of clan women.
Irving Powless, Jr., father was Onondaga, mother was Mohawk. Was appointed by clan mother without her calling for council of clan women.
Paul Waterman, father was Onondaga, mother was Mohawk. Was appointed by clan mother without her calling for council of clan women.
Paul Waterman and Irving Powless, Jr. always claim to be chiefs on the Council of Chiefs for the Onondaga Nation. Oren Lyons and Kingsley Lyons, brothers, both claim to be chiefs, sub-chiefs or faithkeepers, depending on circumstances. All have, apparently, taken their positions in violation of the Great Law. All have, apparently, violated the Great Law by their actions. This would mean that all chiefs who knowingly support the actions of these four chiefs are in violation of the Great Law.
Could you imagine what would happen if Henry Kissinger could be elected President of the United States?