ADOPTION

It is provided thus: The father of a child of great comeliness, learning ability or specially loved because of some circumstances may, at the will of the child’s clan select a name from his own (the father’s) clan and bestow it by ceremony, such as is provided. This name shall be only temporary, and shall be called “a name hung about the neck”.

It is provided thus: Should any person, a member of the League of Five Nations, especially esteem a man or woman of another clan or of a foreign nation, one may choose a name and bestow it upon that person so esteemed. The naming shall be in accord with the ceremony of bestowing names. Such a name is only temporary and shall be called “a name hung about the neck”. A short string of wampum shall be delivered with the name as a record and a pledge.

It is provided thus: Should any member of the Five Nations, a family, or a person belonging to a foreign nation submit a proposal for adoption into a clan of one of the Five Nations, he or they shall furnish a string of wampum, a span in length, as a pledge to the clan into which he or they wish to be adopted. The Chiefs of the nation shall then consider the proposal and submit a decision.

It is provided thus: Any member of the Five Nations, who through esteem or other feelings, wishes to adopt an individual, a family, or a number of families may offer adoption to him or them, and if accepted, the matter shall be brought to the attention of the Chiefs for confirmation and the Chiefs must confirm in the adoption.

It is provided thus: when the adoption of anyone shall have been confirmed by the Chiefs of the nation, the Chiefs shall address the people of the nation and say, “Now you of our nation be informed that____________(such a person, such a family, or such families) have ceased forever to bear their birth nation’s name and have buried it in the depth of the earth. Henceforth let no one of our nation ever mention the original name or nation of his or her birth. To do so will hasten the end of our peace.