Tekarihogen facts for kids

Tekarihogen, also spelled Dekarihokenh, is a very important title for a leader among the Mohawk people. The Mohawk are part of a larger group called the Iroquois League, also known as the Six Nations. This title means a lot in their traditions and history.

What is the Tekarihogen Title?

The Tekarihogen is a special leadership position, like a chief or a respected elder. The person who holds this title is known as a sachem. A sachem is a wise and respected leader in many Native American nations. For the Mohawk, the Tekarihogen is considered the most important of their nine sachems.

How Tekarihogen Leaders Are Chosen

The Tekarihogen title is passed down through families, but in a unique way. It is hereditary through the maternal line. This means the title goes from a mother's family to her children. The person who becomes Tekarihogen must be a male from the Mohawk Turtle clan. The senior women of the Turtle clan are the ones who choose and appoint the new leader. This shows how important women are in the Iroquois system, which is called a matrilineal system. In this system, family lines and property are traced through the mother.

The Role of Tekarihogen in the Grand Council

The Tekarihogen leader is a key part of the Grand Council of the Six Nations. This council is like a big meeting of all the Iroquois nations. The Tekarihogen is the highest-ranking Mohawk chief in this council. His name is always listed first among all the 49 or 50 chiefs in the council.

It's important to know that the Tekarihogen's role is mostly about ceremonial leadership. This means they lead important traditions, ceremonies, and cultural events. They help keep the Mohawk customs and history alive. While they are very respected, they might not always be involved in the day-to-day political decisions.

In the council of the Six Nations Confederacy the chief who bore it served as the titular head of the Mohawks, the first in rank of that tribe’s nine sachems. Since the Mohawks headed the roll listing the council’s 49 or 50 chiefs, his name took precedence over all others.

Famous Tekarihogen Leaders

Over time, many important people have held the title of Tekarihogen. Two well-known leaders who held this title include:

• Hendrick Tekarihoga
• John Brant