The Story of John Saiowisakeron Fire

 


Before there was an elected system of governance in Akwesasne, the community was governed by Community Life Chiefs. These Life Chiefs were known as the Rotinonkwiseres, which means “They Have Long hair.” These men were chosen by the Clanmothers, as is tradition among the Haudenosaunee. For centuries, this was the way the Mohawk community of Akwesasne had decided to choose their leaders.

The newly formed government of Canada had a different plan and a law to determine Akwesasne leaders that were meant to change the way the Mohawks, and all Natives, governed themselves. In an attempt to get rid of the Life Chief system, Canada’s Department of Indian Affairs created the “Indian Act,” which made it the law that elections were the only way to choose leaders on Native Reserves.

The Department of Indian Affairs sent Indian Agents to every Reserve to communicate between the Natives and the Federal Government. The Indian Agents were also assigned to make sure Natives held elections for their leaders. However, some of these Indian Agents did not like the Natives and took advantage of their trust.

The Native communities were not pleased with the Indian Act and vowed to fight it.Many Clanmothers and Elders wrote letters to different officials in the Department of Indian Affairs about the elections. When the letters were ignored, the Clanmothers and Life Chiefs requested meetings with officials. Nobody from the Government of Canada would meet with them.

Eventually, enough time passed that the Akwesasne community thought that the Federal Government had given up and dropped its efforts to impose elections. Sadly, they were wrong.

On May 1, 1899; in the village of Kanatakon, Dominion Police Officers led by Lieutenant-colonel Percy Sherwood met with Indian Agent George Long. They formulated a plan to force the Life Chiefs to allow elections to occur in Akwesasne by threatening them with arrest. The Indian Agent spread word that he wanted to meet with the Life Chiefs and other men at his office about the possibility of work.

One of the men asked to attend the meeting at the Indian Agent’s office was a Community Life Chief named Jacob Ohnehtotake Fire. Ohnehtotake had a younger brother, John Saiowisakeron Fire. Saiowisakeron, which translates to “The Ice That Floats By,’’ lived with his small family - his wife, Teioshirake, and their daughter, Sarah.

Jake Ohnehtotake Fire is sometimes confused with his elder brother, John Saiowisakeron Fire. Friends nicknamed the two “Jake Ice” & “Jake Fire” playing on the English translation of Saiowisakeron’s name.

Ohnehtotake and other Life Chiefs went to the Indian Agent’s office in Kanatakon, not knowing that Dominion Police were waiting to arrest them for opposing elections. Upon entering the office they noticed the officers and an argument began. Word of the incident quickly spread throughout the village and soon reached Saiowisakeron.

After hearing that his brother Ohnehtotake was involved, Saiowisakeron rushed to the Indian Agent’s office. Most likely startled by the loud Mohawk man entering the small office, Dominion Officer Sherwood fired his gun twice - killing Saiowisakeron.

Over time, Akwesasne as a community and the Mohawk as a nation have continued to exist as distinct, powerful and culturally rich people despite struggles. Saiowisakeron was one man in the history of these struggles that has become symbolic of Akwesasne’s strength and commitment. He is one man who on May 1, 1899 gave his life for his community.

Akwesasne has chosen to celebrate the life of Saiowisakeron, as he continues to represent that which has kept the community proud and resilient. We will continue to honor his life for generations to come.

Saiowisakeron was a man of integrity, honour and cultural pride.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne observes and celebrates this day because it supports community self-government - the right of the people to choose the style of government and laws for their own community. In observance of Saiowisakeron Day, all offices of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, including all AMBE schools, will be closed on Friday, May 2, 2014.

 

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