THE FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL

 

Reprinted with permission from Traditional Teachings by the Native North American Travelling College

…continued from last week

29th WAMPUM

If a Sachem of the Hotinonshonni commits murder he shall forfeit his title and from that time the title will be transferred to a sister clan.

30th WAMPUM

If a Sachem of the Hotinonshonni during his term of office suffers any bodily defect such as infancy, idiocy, blindness, deafness, dumbness or impotency, another man shall be appointed to act on his behalf at Council meetings. However in the case of serious matters his defect will not stop him from taking part as a titleholder.

31st WAMPUM

If a Sachem decides to resign his title, he shall inform his fellow Sachems. If he selects someone to take his place his fellow Sachems will accept his resignation and his selection to replace him.

His replacement will not be given his title until the matter is approved by his female relatives. If his fellow cousins refuse to accept his resignation, he must keep his title.

32nd WAMPUM

The Sachems of the Hotinonshonni shall be the Spiritual Advisors for the people for all time. The thickness of their skins shall be seven spans. This will be proof of their ability to disregard words that might be said against them or any wrong against them. Their hearts shall be filled with peace and goodwill. Their spirits want for the good of their people. They will endure long suffering in the carrying out of their duties, and firmness will be handed out with kindness. The spirits of anger and fury shall not find place in them, and in everything they say and do they will think only of the Hotinonshonni and not of themselves, thinking ahead not only of the present but also of the generations of unborn yet to come.

33rd WAMPUM

It shall be the duty of all the Sachems of the Hotinonshonni, from time to time as occasion demands to act as teachers and spiritual guides of their people, and remind them of their Creator’s will and words. They will also be active in the ceremonies and assist the Faithkeepers in the teachings of the four sacred ceremonies.

34th WAMPUM

All Sachems of the Hotinonshonni must be honest in all things. They must not idle nor gossip, but be men possessing those honorable qualities that make true leaders. It shall be a serious wrong for anyone to lead a Sachem into trivial affairs, for the people must ever hold their Sachems high in esteem out of respect to their honorable positions.

to be continued...

 

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