User:Bemsmith/sandbox

Creation
There are three clans in the Oneida Indian Nation, the Turtle, Wolf, and Bear Clans. Each Nation member belongs to one of these clans. Legend has it that clan names were selected in response to issues with the Haudenosaunee mourning process. Prior to clans being created, the entire Oneida village would mourn after the death of a village member. This caused problems as important decisions were put on hold during the time of mourning. Village leaders were at a loss as to how to continue everyday life while at the same time observing traditional mourning practices. A young village member approached the leaders with a possible solution. He suggested sending three female elders to the nearby river, having them build a fire, and spend the night. At first light the following morning the women were to pray to the Creator and then take notice of the first animal that approached the river. Once the women had seen an animal they were to report back to the village leaders. The elders put the young man’s plan into action. Three women were sent to the river. Upon their return one woman reported that she had seen a turtle at the edge of the river. The second woman reported seeing a wolf running along the river. The third woman stated that she had seen a bear feeding in the river along the rocks. Following the reports of the women, village leaders named the Oneida clans the Turtle, Wolf and Bear Clans. They determined that a village member’s clan would pass down through the mother from generation to generation as women have the Creator’s gift to create life. The Oneida Nation remains a matrilineal society today. After the clans were established a defined mourning process was put into place. When there was a death in the village, the clan members of that person would mourn. The members of a second clan would console them, and the members of the third clan would carry on village business as usual.

Meaning
The Haudenosaunee people are made up of several Nations. Among these nations are groups of people who form families called clans. While Nation members still have their immediate family of parents and siblings, they also have an extended family of fellow Clan members. As a matrilineal society, each clan member is linked to their clan by their mother. The three Oneida Nation Clans are named after animals, the turtle, wolf, and bear. Each animal is seen by Nation members as having certain positive characteristics or attributes. The turtle teaches patience, as well as the importance of never giving up. Turtles are also seen to be representative of strength and solidarity. They are thought to be old and wise, and are well respected. The wolf teaches the importance of using your ears, listening and being watchful. They embody a strong sense of family. Finally, the bear is seen as gentle and strong. Bears are seen as having strength in knowing that takes more strength not to raise your hand and strike,  than to give into the impulse to strike.