The Meoquanee

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The Meoquanee
ᎺᎣᎾᎢ
Great Meoquanee Nation
Tribal Confederation
Official seal of The Meoquanee
MeoquaneeNation.png
Confederated1794
Government
 • TypeTribal Council
 • High ChieftainTecumseh
 • CouncilCouncil of Seven Fires
Population
 (2018)
 • Total505,021
DemonymMeoquanee
Time zoneUTC−06:00 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−05:00 (CDT)

The Meoquanee (Meoquanee:ᎺᎣᎾᎢ; Lionahi'''), also known as the Great Meoquanee Nation, is a a multi-tribal confederation comprising Native and First Nations peoples who share a common linguistic and cultural heritage known as Meoquanee. The Meoquanee Nation is governed by a Grand Council referred to as the Council of Seven Fires which is composed of representatives from each of the member tribes. the Confederation is organized into matrilineal clans, which are family groups based on the maternal line of descent. In this, chiefs can be removed from their positions by the women of the tribe.

History

Tribal Groups

Despite its name, the Meoquanee Nation actually consists of seven distinct nations, each characterized by its own cultural traditions and governance systems.

Nations

English name Meoquanee name Meaning
Nasawi ᎾᏣᏫ "People of the Heart"
Wyanwa ᏪᎾᏩ "People of the Brotherhood"
Kathanti ᎧᏚᏔᏂ' "People of Giving Thanks"
Aelamet ᎠᏆᎳᎺᏝ "People of Love"
Nahara ᎾᎲᎳ "People of Friendship"
Ashwaki ᎠᏍᏫᎧᎢ "People of the Fish"
Dohute ᏙᎲᏖ "People of the Butterfly"

Clans

Within these nations, individuals are affiliated with various matrilineal clans, which are familial groups organized according to maternal lineage. The number of clans within each nation currently ranges from three to eight, totaling nine unique clan names across the Confederation. These clans serve as essential social and cultural units, providing members with a sense of identity and belonging while preserving ancestral connections and traditions.

Government