The Rotinonshonni: Through the eyes of Teharonhia: Wako and Sawiskera. A traditional Iroquoian history for modern times

Most history written about Native people, by either natives or non-Natives, is written as a chronology of events of what are perceived to be facts related to the past. They are based on the assumption that history can be written without taking into account the worldview of the people whom are being written about. The Rotinonshonni: Through the Eyes of Teharonhia : wako and Sawiskera is a history written, utilizing the worldview of the Rotinonshonni, "longhouse people," to explain why events have occurred in their society in the way that they have. It includes the almost exclusive use of oral traditions to explain the events in that history. Just as important, to the use of the oral traditions, is the philosophical understanding within the Rotinonshonni world view when writing the history. Without that understanding, it cannot be considered a true Rotinonshonni history. That worldview has its expression in the creation story. From a Rotinonshonni perspective, the events that occurred, during the time of creation, have an effect on what is happening today. They may not be relevant to any other society; however, they are completely relevant to the members of the Rotinonshonni . Without that cultural understanding, the members of the society are left with few answers as to why events have played themselves out as they have. There is, then, little chance of the culture continuing to exist and thrive into the future. If that happens, the Rotinonshonni members will have become fully integrated into a history that is not of their own making. Once that occurs, they will be left with few opportunities to transform themselves, based on their own cultural values and teachings, into the future. This work explains the process of history from the Rotinonshonni point of view. It also teaches the lessons that members should adhere to in order to continue moving forward. These are first pointed out in the creation story; then the Kayeneren: kowa; and finally the Kari: wio. My own journey is a contemporary reflective look at what is occurring in Rotinonshonni territory today, as well as a warning that, if the three above are no longer adhered to as being an integral part of the Rotinonshonni philosophy and belief systems; the culture itself will stagnate, and the Rotinonshonni as a unique people, who have evolved through the intervention of the creator, will cease to do so. As this work shows, the responsibility from the beginning of time lies with the onkwe honwe "real human beings" of the Rotinonshonni "People of the Longhouse."...