Community Chat

[Oznell]

On the eve of Independence Day, it's fun to look back in history at those who contributed to the founding of a nation.  A great chief of the Onondagas spoke at the conference of the treaty of Lancaster.  He advised the colonists to take as their model the Iroquois Confederation, a Native American cooperative of the Five Nations:

"We have one thing further to say, and that is We heartily recommend Union and a Good Agreement between you our Brethren. Never disagree, but preserve a strict Friendship for one another, and thereby you as well as we will become the Stronger.

Our wise Forefathers established Union and Amity between the Five Nations; this has made us formidable, this has given us great weight and Authority with our Neighboring Nations.

We are a powerful confederacy, and, by your observing the same Methods our wise Forefathers have taken, you will acquire fresh Strength and Power; therefore, whatever befalls you, never fall out with one another."

A number of scholars believe that the example of the Iroquois Confederation was drawn upon by the Founders, along with other historical precedents, in their design of the structure of the United States.

Benjamin Franklin was known to heed the counsel of Canastego, and had printed the speeches of this extraordinarily shrewd and active leader.