John Buck (Onondaga politician) explained

John Buck (1893), titled Skanawati among other variants, was a leader of the Onondaga who lived near Ontario's Grand River. He was the official keeper of the wampum records of the Iroquois, sometimes described as a firekeeper. He took on the role of wampum keeper in 1843. Buck was described in a contemporary account as "a capable ruler and an able and trustworthy negotiator". Kenyon and Kenyon identify him as a "follower of Handsome Lake".[1]

Background

John Buck was born . He was described in an obituary as being descended from "ancient Iroquois nobility"[2] and was of Tutelo descent.

Role as cultural keeper

Buck assumed the role of wampum keeper in 1843. As the official keeper of the wampum records of the Haudenosaunee, he was described as being a "conservative" leader who closely followed the traditional customs of his people. Although Buck did not speak the language, he gave lengthy interviews with English-speaking historians in an effort to preserve Haudenosaunee culture. Scholars such as J. N. B. Hewitt drew on Buck's knowledge of his people's history.[3]

Political advocacy

In June 1887, Buck and several other members of the Iroquois petitioned the Canadian government to repeal portions of the Franchise Act, which had offered tribes including the Onondaga the right to vote.[4]

Work with anthropologists

He was friends with Horatio Hale.[5] Frank Speck purchased Buck's ritual mask collection.[6]

Death and legacy

He died in 1893, aged approximately 75.[7] Buck's children sold wampum belts that he had held.[8]

Sources

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Kenyon. Ian. Kenyon. Thomas. Echo the Firekeeper: A Nineteenth Century Iroquois Site. 12. 0228-4111. February 1986. 86. 2. KEWA: Newsletter of the London Chapter, Ontario Archaeological Society.
  2. News: 1893-04-02. A Famous Indian. 3. Buffalo Morning Express and Illustrated Buffalo Express. 2021-02-07. .
  3. Book: Fenton, William Nelson. The Great Law and the Longhouse: A Political History of the Iroquois Confederacy. 1998. University of Oklahoma Press. 978-0-8061-3003-3. 74. en.
  4. Little. J. I.. 2018-11-16. Courting the First Nations Vote: Ontario's Grand River Reserve and the Electoral Franchise Act of 1885. Journal of Canadian Studies/Revue d'études canadiennes. en. 52. 2. 538–569. 10.3138/jcs.2017-0071.r1. 149763260. 1911-0251.
  5. Book: Wonderley. Anthony Wayne. Sempowski. Martha Lou. 4 December 2019. Syracuse University Press. 978-0-8156-5492-6. First. Syracuse, New York. 1124793257.
  6. Book: Bruchac. Margaret M.. Savage Kin: Indigenous Informants and American Anthropologists. Zobel. Melissa Fawcett Tantaquidgeon. 2018-04-10. University of Arizona Press. 978-0-8165-3706-8. 163. en.
  7. News: 23 March 1893. Chief John Buck: The Leader of the Six Nations Dies at His Home in Ontario. New-York Tribune. .
  8. Book: Hamilton, Michelle A.. 2008. Wilfrid Laurier University Press. 978-1-55458-004-0. Hele. Karl S.. Waterloo, ON . 196 . Borders Within: Anthropology and the Six Nations of the Grand River. 163617254.

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