Indigenous heroes past and present

SIX NATIONS — Over the generations, the people of the Five Nations, now Six Nations, have been known for their social and political insight as well as their strength and fearlessness in times of war and peace.

The contributions made by the “Iroquois” Confederacy on behalf of the British cause, many historians believe saved the Crown from the rebellious Americans bent on taking over the entire continent. Many Indigenous tribes of the Ojibwa, Algonquin and Huron Nations also took part in both the American Revolution and the War of 1812, and were significant in the outcomes of Manu important battles,

But there were others of indigenous blood who made their influence known in other ways. Some in the form of traditional Warrior Societies which arose to protect the enteral spirit of the indigenous people of Turtle Island.

Over the next several weeks, we intend to remind ourselves and our readers of the Indigenous hero’s of Six Nations, Credit Mississauga, and others who have taken the initiative in preserving and protecting the original peoples of North America.

Some of these heroes will be well known to both Native and non-native, but other more unsung warriors maybe not be. We look for input from our readers for story ideas that we can follow up on for this series of articles.

“I am afraid some of our younger people are not fully aware of the contributions made by past generations for our people,” says Two Row Times publisher, Jonathan Garlow. “

The closest historical event to take place in this generation is the reclamation of the former Douglas Creek Estates land in Caledonia in 2006

For those who participated in the stand-off that made news across Canada, America, and even the British Isles, it may seem like yesterday. But that was 13-years ago and today’s 20-year-olds will barely remember it and the other heroes of Kanonhstaton.

The takeover of Indian Affairs Offices in Brantford before that. Deskaheh and Fred Loft, from the 1920’s. More recent Warriors like Dick and Hazel Hill, Ruby and Floyd Montour, Bill Squire, Arnold Douglas, (Hadoxe), Bill Monture, (Jaquideh) Henry, Janie Jamieson and others should not be forgotten.

Like them or not, one can not deny the impact each has made to the advancement of Six Nations.

The Warrior spirit of the ancestors has appeared in some of the most unlikely of people, places, or circumstances over the years, and in this series, we want to honor them and educate others about the important work done and sacrifices made for the future generations.

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