Atotarho of the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy
Chief Leon Shenandoah, Sr. Passes Away

The Atotarho, the firekeeper of the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy, is considered the chiefs of chiefs. The Confederacy consists of the Mohawks, Onondagas, Cayugas, Ondeidas, Senecas and Tuscaroras. Leon Shenandoah, 81 years of age, was chosen in 1969 and held the position for 28 years. He passed away on Monday July 22 at 7:20 a.m.

The Great Law of Peace, the constitution of the Confederacy states: 'The Chiefs of the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy shall be mentors of the people for all time. The Thickness of their skin shall be seven spans thick, their hearts shall be full of peace and goodwill, and their minds filled with yearning for the people of the Confederacy. With endless patience they shall carry out their duty and all their words and actions shall be marked by calm deliberation.' This is the true spirit of North America - equality, democracy, honour and respect for the power of the people. It is the duty of the chiefs of the Confederacy at this time to continue to be vigilant in protecting all Indigenous people in North America.

The Atotarho will be interred at the Longhouse in Onondaga Nation Territory near Syracuse New York, and will be buried on Wednesday, July 24, 1996 at 10 a.m. He is survived by his wife, children, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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