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{{NONCANON}}
{{WIP}}
{{Infobox legislature
{{Infobox legislature
| name = Council of Seven Fires<br> ᏧᎾᏓᏱᎵᏓᏍᏗ ᏂᏛᎴᏅᏓ ᎦᎵᏉᎩ ᎠᏥᎳ
| name               = Council of Seven Fires
| coa_pic = SealoftheMeoquanee.png
| native_name        = ᎠᏯᎸ ᎤᏓᏅᏖᏂᏓ ᏍᎪᎯᏏ
| coa-pic =  
| native_name_lang  = Meoquanee
| session_room =  
| transcription_name = ''ayvli udanvtinida sgowihvsgi''
| house_type = Tribal Council
| legislature        = Council of Seven Fires
| houses =  
| coa_pic           =
| leader1_type = [[High Chieftain]]
| coa_res            =
| leader1 = Tecumseh
| coa_alt            =
| party1 =  
| coa_caption        =
| election1 = November 2002
| logo_pic          = SealoftheMeoquanee.png
| leader2_type =
| logo_res          =
| leader2 =  
| logo_alt          =  
| party2 =  
| logo_caption      =  
| election2 =  
| house_type         = Executive Council
| members = 7 chiefs
| body              =
|formation = 1797
| jurisdiction      = The Meoquanee
| political_groups1  
| houses             =
| last_election1 = November 6, 2012
| term_limits        = No
| next_election1 = November 6, 2022
| foundation        = July 15, 1910
| term1_type
| disbanded          =
| term1 = Ten Years
| preceded_by        =
| meeting_place = [[Kestejoo]]
| succeeded_by      =
| website =
| new_session        = July 22, 2024
| leader1_type       = Chiefs
| leader1            = [[List of Meoquanee Chiefs]]
| party1             =  
| election1         = 2022
| leader2_type       =  
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| leader7_type      =
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| seats              = 50
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| constitution      = [[The Great Law of the Meoquanee]]
| footnotes          =  
}}
}}
The Council of Seven Fires (Meoquanee: ᏧᎾᏓᏱᎵᏓᏍᏗ ᏂᏛᎴᏅᏓ ᎦᎵᏉᎩ ᎠᏥᎳ) is the legislative body of the Meoquanee Nation, and it is responsible for making decisions that affect the entire confederation. The council is named after the seven tribes that make up the Meoquanee Nation, and it meets four times per year at the beginning of each season. The council can also hold special sessions, which can be called by any of the chiefs. The council is overseen by the High Chieftain, who is elected every ten years from among his peers. The High Chieftain serves as the head of the council and is responsible for presiding over its meetings and ensuring that its decisions are carried out. The current High Chieftain is Tecumseh of the Ehawee, who has held the position since 2002.
The '''Council of Seven Fires''' (ᎠᏯᎸ ᎤᏓᏅᏖᏂᏓ ᏍᎪᎯᏏ) is the highest council comprising Chiefs chosen from the nation-level councils. It serves as the primary legislative and deliberative body of the Meoquanee Nation. Composed of hereditary sachems known as Hoyenah, or chiefs, from each clan, the Council is responsible for major decisions and policy-making.


=Composition=
The Council of Seven Fires is an assembly of 50 Hoyenah (ᎤᏍᏗ) or Chiefs. When a leadership position becomes available, a candidate is chosen from within the clan and is ceremonially "elevated" by the local council consisting of all sachems. Upon assuming the role, the new sachem relinquishes their previous name and is henceforth addressed by their title.


Currently, the distribution of seats on the Council among the Seven Nations is structured as follows:
* Nasawi: 10 seats
* Wyanwa: 8 seats
* Kathanti: 9 seats
* Aelamet: 7 seats
* Ashwaki: 8 seats
* Dohute: 8 seats


==History==
Consensus in public actions is vital to the Council's operations. For amendments to Council laws and customs, a two-thirds consent from the Clan Mothers is mandatory. Major changes require a double supermajority for approval. Additionally, no treaty becomes binding unless it garners ratification from at least 75% of the male voters and 75% of the Clan Mothers within the nation.
Prior to 1794, the various tribes of the Meoquanee Nation had limited interaction with each other. They engaged in trade and occasionally gathered together every four years for a large celebration, during which they shared stories and engaged in other cultural activities. However, outside of these infrequent gatherings, the tribes tended to keep to themselves and had little contact with one another. It was during the -PLACEHOLDER- war that Tuskaluza, a skilled diplomat and leader, succeeded in uniting the tribes. He recognized that they would be stronger together than apart, and so he set out to bring the tribes together in a way that had never been done before. Tuskaluza established the Great Council of Braves, a legislative body made up of the chiefs of each of the seven tribes, with himself as the High Chieftain.


After the war ended, Tuskaluza saw the value in keeping the tribes united, and so he reformed the council into what is now known as the Council of Seven Fires. This new council was designed to be a space for the different tribes to come together, discuss their concerns, and work collaboratively towards solutions that benefited the entire confederation. Tuskaluza remained as the High Chieftain of the council until his death in 1837, having successfully established a strong, united confederation. Following Tuskaluza's passing, the question of who would succeed him as High Chieftain was brought before the council. After much deliberation, it was decided that the new High Chieftain would be elected every ten years from among the chiefs of the member tribes. This system of rotating leadership has remained in place to this day and ensures that the council remains fair and representative of the entire confederation.
=Appointment=


==Function==
The process of selecting a new Chief to fill a vacant leadership position is a structured and ceremonial procedure. When a leadership role becomes available within a clan, discussions are initiated among clan members to identify potential candidates who exhibit leadership qualities, community involvement, and adherence to traditional values. Subsequently, a formal meeting is organized with the local council, comprising all sachems from the respective nations within the Meoquanee Nation. This council is tasked with overseeing the selection process and ensuring that the chosen candidate meets the criteria and expectations set forth by the community. During the selection meeting, candidates are given an opportunity to present their qualifications, vision, and commitment to serving the community. Following these presentations, the council engages in deliberations to assess each candidate's suitability and contributions to the clan and the greater Meoquanee Nation.
The Council of Seven Fires plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Meoquanee Nation remains unified and cohesive, despite the diversity of its member tribes. The council is a space for the different tribes to come together, discuss their concerns, and work collaboratively towards solutions that benefit the entire confederation. The council operates on the principles of consensus-building and respectful dialogue. All members have an equal voice, and decisions are made through a process of negotiation and compromise. This approach allows the council to take into account the diverse perspectives and needs of the different tribes, while still reaching decisions that serve the greater good of the entire confederation.


The council also serves as a guardian of the cultural heritage of the Meoquanee people. Through its decisions, it helps to preserve the traditional practices, beliefs, and customs that have been passed down through generations. This includes protecting sacred sites, promoting language revitalization efforts, and ensuring that cultural practices are integrated into everyday life. The High Chieftain plays a crucial role in the council's operations. As the head of the council, the High Chieftain is responsible for leading discussions, mediating disputes, and ensuring that decisions are carried out. The position of High Chieftain is highly respected, and those who hold the position are expected to demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and a deep commitment to the values and traditions of the Meoquanee people.
Before finalizing the selection, unanimous approval from the Clan Mothers is required, underscoring the importance of their input and guidance in the elevation process. Upon reaching a consensus and obtaining unanimous approval from the Clan Mothers, the council ceremonially elevates the chosen candidate to the position of Chief. This elevation ceremony often includes traditional rituals, prayers, and blessings to honor the candidate's new role and responsibilities within the community. Upon assuming the Chief position, the newly appointed leader symbolically relinquishes their former name and are addressed by their official title.
==Membership==
=Powers=
<gallery class="center" widths="200px">
File:MeoquaneeChief.png| High Chieftian<br>'''Tecumseh'''<br>Ehawee
</gallery>
<gallery class="center" widths="120px">
File:TakchaweeChief.png| Chief<br>'''Sequoyah'''<br>Takchawee
File:TochoChief.png| Chief<br>'''Wohali'''<br>Tocho
File:NokosiChief.png| Chief<br>'''Onacona'''<br>Nokosi
File:MahkahChief.png| Chieftess<br>'''Ahyoka'''<br>Mahkah
File:KwatokoChief.png| Chief<br>'''Chetan'''<br>Kwatoko
File:ChosoviChief.png| Chief<br>'''Diwali'''<br>Chosovi
</gallery>


==Power and Jurisidiction==
=Removal=
Should a Chief fail to attend the Council, the responsibility falls upon the Local Councils of the Chief's nation to request the attendance of the absentee Chief through their female sponsors. This is due to the bestowing of the title of Chief being hereditary right passed down through the female lineage of families and therefor respecting the proprietary rights of the females in the family to the Chief title. If the Chief continues to neglect or refuse attendance, the women holding the title have the authority to select a new candidate for the title, ensuring the continuous representation and functioning of the Council. If a Chief demonstrates a lack of concern for the people's welfare or disobeys the established rules, the men or women, or both jointly, have the right to voice their complaints to the Council through the Local Councils.
 
The complaint process is systematic and ensures fair representation and multiple opportunities for the Chief to address and rectify the issues raised. A Chief is expected only too be warned three times in open council: initially by their female relatives, followed by their male relatives, and ultimately by the Sachems of their respective nation. Should the Chief persist in neglecting the people's welfare or disregarding the rules, the matter is escalated to the Clan Mothers. The sachems acting on behalf of the women vested with the titleship, have the authority to divest the erring Chief of his title. Upon the deposition of the Chief, the women notify the Chiefs through their Local Councils for sanctioning. A new candidate is then selected by the women, and the local sachems proceed to elect and install the chosen individual.

Latest revision as of 14:41, 11 April 2024

Council of Seven Fires

ᎠᏯᎸ ᎤᏓᏅᏖᏂᏓ ᏍᎪᎯᏏ

ayvli udanvtinida sgowihvsgi
Council of Seven Fires
SealoftheMeoquanee.png
Type
Type
Term limits
No
History
FoundedJuly 15, 1910
New session started
July 22, 2024
Leadership
Chiefs
Seats50
Constitution
The Great Law of the Meoquanee

The Council of Seven Fires (ᎠᏯᎸ ᎤᏓᏅᏖᏂᏓ ᏍᎪᎯᏏ) is the highest council comprising Chiefs chosen from the nation-level councils. It serves as the primary legislative and deliberative body of the Meoquanee Nation. Composed of hereditary sachems known as Hoyenah, or chiefs, from each clan, the Council is responsible for major decisions and policy-making.

Composition

The Council of Seven Fires is an assembly of 50 Hoyenah (ᎤᏍᏗ) or Chiefs. When a leadership position becomes available, a candidate is chosen from within the clan and is ceremonially "elevated" by the local council consisting of all sachems. Upon assuming the role, the new sachem relinquishes their previous name and is henceforth addressed by their title.

Currently, the distribution of seats on the Council among the Seven Nations is structured as follows:

  • Nasawi: 10 seats
  • Wyanwa: 8 seats
  • Kathanti: 9 seats
  • Aelamet: 7 seats
  • Ashwaki: 8 seats
  • Dohute: 8 seats

Consensus in public actions is vital to the Council's operations. For amendments to Council laws and customs, a two-thirds consent from the Clan Mothers is mandatory. Major changes require a double supermajority for approval. Additionally, no treaty becomes binding unless it garners ratification from at least 75% of the male voters and 75% of the Clan Mothers within the nation.

Appointment

The process of selecting a new Chief to fill a vacant leadership position is a structured and ceremonial procedure. When a leadership role becomes available within a clan, discussions are initiated among clan members to identify potential candidates who exhibit leadership qualities, community involvement, and adherence to traditional values. Subsequently, a formal meeting is organized with the local council, comprising all sachems from the respective nations within the Meoquanee Nation. This council is tasked with overseeing the selection process and ensuring that the chosen candidate meets the criteria and expectations set forth by the community. During the selection meeting, candidates are given an opportunity to present their qualifications, vision, and commitment to serving the community. Following these presentations, the council engages in deliberations to assess each candidate's suitability and contributions to the clan and the greater Meoquanee Nation.

Before finalizing the selection, unanimous approval from the Clan Mothers is required, underscoring the importance of their input and guidance in the elevation process. Upon reaching a consensus and obtaining unanimous approval from the Clan Mothers, the council ceremonially elevates the chosen candidate to the position of Chief. This elevation ceremony often includes traditional rituals, prayers, and blessings to honor the candidate's new role and responsibilities within the community. Upon assuming the Chief position, the newly appointed leader symbolically relinquishes their former name and are addressed by their official title.

Powers

Removal

Should a Chief fail to attend the Council, the responsibility falls upon the Local Councils of the Chief's nation to request the attendance of the absentee Chief through their female sponsors. This is due to the bestowing of the title of Chief being hereditary right passed down through the female lineage of families and therefor respecting the proprietary rights of the females in the family to the Chief title. If the Chief continues to neglect or refuse attendance, the women holding the title have the authority to select a new candidate for the title, ensuring the continuous representation and functioning of the Council. If a Chief demonstrates a lack of concern for the people's welfare or disobeys the established rules, the men or women, or both jointly, have the right to voice their complaints to the Council through the Local Councils.

The complaint process is systematic and ensures fair representation and multiple opportunities for the Chief to address and rectify the issues raised. A Chief is expected only too be warned three times in open council: initially by their female relatives, followed by their male relatives, and ultimately by the Sachems of their respective nation. Should the Chief persist in neglecting the people's welfare or disregarding the rules, the matter is escalated to the Clan Mothers. The sachems acting on behalf of the women vested with the titleship, have the authority to divest the erring Chief of his title. Upon the deposition of the Chief, the women notify the Chiefs through their Local Councils for sanctioning. A new candidate is then selected by the women, and the local sachems proceed to elect and install the chosen individual.