Wyandot (Huron)
The Wyandot nation is divided into sub-tribes also called clans. The major sub-nations of the Wyandot are the Arendahronon
(rock sub-tribe), the Attigneenongnahac (bear sub-tribe), the Attignawantan
(cord sub-tribe), and the Tahontaenrat (deer sub-tribe). Traditions: The
Wyandot lived in communal dwellings consisting of
large log style homes . Most log houses ranged
between 45-55 meters or 150- 180 ft long. They were
made of slabs of bark over pole frames. During the peaceful years
the Wyandot hunted and fished and used bows and arrows and spears. The
Wyandot were able to catch almost anything they wanted to eat. They were a
diverse group of people who lead a very diverse life and had a direct impact on
the land and the people who inhabited it. History: The Wyandot were a proud Indian nation with a well-defined governmental
system. The Wyandot nation was divided into sub-tribes or clans. Their
history is filled with wars, which led to loss of territory and forced
many sub-tribes to relocate to safer territory. The Wyandot were not nomadic
tribes; they had many great villages each with its own government
representative.
The Wyandot government was divided into a republican style of government;
the larger villages were captains for peace during
times of conflict, each large village had a
well-defined jurisdiction. The tribes in the Wyandot
nation each have their own distinct past and
heritage.
At the height of the Wyandot nation, it was a mighty force to be reckoned
with and had an extensive
territory. The Wyandot territory once spanned from the Niagara River on the
east, to the St. Claire River and lake to the west, and Lake Erie on the south.
The Wyandot nation lived a peaceful life and maintained their vast territory for
many years. The population in
1535 numbered between 30,000-45,000. After years of warring and a epidemic in
1640 their population declines to less than 10,000.
The Wyandot nation, with
all its sub-tribes and clans, was forced onto
reservations, forced to relocate during the
years of wars with the Iroquois nation.
Though this page has been carefully researched, the author does not
claim expertise on the Wyandot.
Please send questions, comments, and corrections to emuseum@mnsu.edu and include the
web address of this page.
If you are
Wyandot, your feedback is much appreciated.
Wyandot Nation of Kansas: http://www.wyandot.org/
Wyandot Nation of Oklahoma: http://www.wyandotte-nation.org/
Resources:
Encyclopedia. CD-ROM Encarta Electronic publishing 1999
“The Huron Indians.” http://members.tripod.com/paullife/huronindians.html 3 February 2000
“Huron Indian Homes.” http://members.tripod.com/~Blazewicz/Homes.htm 3 February 2000
“The Huron.” Catholic Encyclopedia. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07565a.htm,
8 February 2000.
“Huron History.” http://www.dickshovel.com/hur.html 2 February 2000
Written by: Katy (Kathryn) Fisher
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