THE GREAT LAW

Continued from last issue

WHEN HOSTILE INDIANS THREATEN

THE GREAT PEACE LAW

91ST WAMPUM

When the Council of the League wished the establishment of the Kaianerekowa (Great Law) between people of an outside or hostile nation the League will select their best speakers to meet with these nations and discuss the matter. If no agreement can be reached at the end of the first meeting, the chosen speakers will again meet with the nation. If no agreement is made at the second meeting, a third and final meeting is held. The speakers have made three attempts to reach an agreement with the outside or hostile nation. The next step is to turn the issue over to the warriors and they decide the course to take. The manner in which war is declared is: The Council of the League shall pass a resolution or declaration of war in their Council and turn the matter over to Skanawitah, who shall instruct the Five Head Warriors to wage war against the stubborn opposing nation.

92ND WAMPUM

Sachem Skanawitah will have the duties, rights and authority of both Sachem and Head Warrior. In case of war he shall call the Five Head Warriors of the League to make ready for the way by having their warriors at the appointed time and place ready to meet or attack the enemy.

93RD WAMPUM

When the men are ready to enter into war with an opposing nation that refuses to live in peace according to the Kaianerekowa (Great Law) one of the five Head Warriors shall be chosen by the men of the Hotinonshonni to lead the army into battle. It will be the duty of the one chosen to address the men, he shall impress upon them the need to be brave and obedient to the commands of the Head Warriors. He shall speak instilling bravery and courage and remind them

never to be guilty of cowardice. When he marches he will sing a War Song:

“Onenhonkenerenne nekati enkatieratakwe tsi ni wakerennotenne

wiskni wakon wentsiake raonhane raohane rohshatstenserewane

nerakwawi nekati neakitiokwa rotiskenrakets nekati ese sashat sten

sers wane tio ken shen nishonne nekati ne takwawi ne karenna

enkaterennoten”

(Not to be translated)

94TH WAMPUM

A certain wampum belt of black beads shall be the emblem of the authority of the Five Head Warriors to take up the weapons of war and with their men to resist invasion. This shall be called a War in Defense of the Territory.

95TH WAMPUM

If a nation, part of a nation, or more than one nation within the Hotinonshonni should in any way endeavor to destroy the Kaianerekowa (Great Law) by neglect or violating its laws and resolve to dissolve the League, such a nation or such nations shall be guilty of treason and called enemies of the Hotinonshonni and the Kaianerekowa (Great Law). It shall then be the duty of the Sachems of the Hotinonshonni who are faithful to warn the people in opposition. They shall be warned once, and if a second warning is necessary, they shall be escorted from the territory of the Hotinonshonni.

Continued next issue