Daniel Garacontié facts for kids

Daniel Garacontié (died 1676) was an important chief of the Onondaga nation. He was also known by other names like Garakontie. The French saw him as a great diplomat and someone who worked for peace among the Iroquois people. He helped free many French prisoners from different Iroquois groups. Later in his life, he became a Catholic, influenced by Jesuit priests.

Early Efforts for Peace

After French missionaries left Onondaga in 1658, Garakonthie became a strong supporter of peace. He also protected Christians, even though he wasn't Christian himself yet. He had carefully studied French customs and beliefs.

In 1661, he convinced the Onondaga people to send a group to Quebec. They returned some French captives as a step towards peace. A priest named Father Le Moyne went back with them. Garakonthie welcomed him warmly and even turned his own home into a chapel for the priest.

Garakonthie then traveled to Montreal with nine French prisoners. He was well-received and managed to free his captives. He also helped free some of his own people who were prisoners.

Continuing His Peace Work

When Garakonthie returned, he stopped other chiefs who wanted to start a war with the French. He also prevented a plan to harm Father Le Moyne. In 1662, he prepared to take the priest and the remaining captives to the St. Lawrence River.

During the war that followed Le Moyne's departure, Garakonthie worked to free French captives. He also protected the small group of Christians in Onondaga as much as he could.

In the spring of 1664, he succeeded in getting the council to agree to another peace mission. The goal was to return French prisoners and ask for peace. The French were thankful for Garakonthie's efforts but did not immediately agree to terms.

However, in August, an agreement was made to exchange prisoners. Garakonthie set out with the French captives. But his group was attacked by the Algonquins. After losing many people, they were forced to return.

A New Path: Becoming Christian

Even though he was always friendly to the French and felt that Christianity was true, Garakonthie did not want to become a Christian until 1669. At a meeting with the French governor in Quebec, he declared his love for Christianity. He said he would give up "polygamy, the vanity of dreams, and every kind of sin."

He was baptized in a grand ceremony in the Quebec cathedral by Bishop Laval. The governor was his godfather, and Mlle. Bouteroue, the daughter of an important official, was his godmother. He was given the name Daniel during the baptism. Afterward, he was honored at the governor's castle.

Impact of His Conversion

His conversion had a big effect, not just in Onondaga but in other settlements too. Some of the sachems (chiefs) tried to lessen his power. They said he was no longer himself and that the "black robes" (Jesuit priests) had confused his mind.

But whenever an important message needed to be sent, or a powerful speaker was needed, Garakonthie quickly regained his influence. Even the English governors of New York recognized his power. They asked him to help make peace between the Mohawks and Mohegans.

He often traveled on important missions to New York State and Albany, as well as to Quebec and Montreal. He spoke out against the old beliefs and dances of the tribes. He did a lot to stop these practices.

Later Life and Legacy

Garacontié died in Onondaga in 1676. As he felt his end was near, he gave his final advice to his family. He asked for a funeral feast to be prepared and invited the Onondaga chiefs. He then sang his death song.

He urged the chiefs to become Christians and to get rid of alcohol from their villages. To encourage his people to follow his teachings, Garakonthie had adopted many European customs. He had also learned to read and write, even though he was old.