THE TURTLE CLAN

RATINIATON - OWNERS OF THE HOUSE

The Turtle Clan/Ratiniaton are the “Owners of the House” and the Fire Keepers of the Mohawk Nation.  The Turtle Clan sits with its back to the East (where the sun rises). The Turtle is honored as being the owner of the house, as they are one of the oldest living things within creation, dating back to the Creation Story. The Great Turtle carries Mother Earth upon its back.  Within the Council of the Mohawks, the Turtle Clan are the Verifiers. All business of the House is presented to them for final consideration. The three Turtle Clan Chieftainship Titles are: Tekarihoken, Aionwatha, and Satekariwateh. In addition to the three hereditary Chieftainship Titles held by each of the Clans, the Turtle Clan also holds the Title of War Chief for the Mohawk Nation. (There is only one War Chief for the Nation)

Turtle Clan people are very consistent and determined. They prefer a calm atmosphere and are disturbed by confrontation. They are generally neutral in most situations. Like the Turtle, they may hide in their shell until things have calmed down. They can be stubborn at times and do not adjust to change very quickly. Most Turtle Clan people are thought of as shy because they are not as outspoken or opinionated as people from the other two Clans. They also take more time to let go of anger or irritation because they would prefer not to be faced with a confrontation.

Turtle Clan people get along well with one another. However, they generally keep to themselves. They take their time to think before they respond to a question or issue. Because they are neutral, they are good at mediating and resolving disputes. Like the Turtle, they have a very strong protective shell and it may take time to get to know them. As a collective, the Turtles are wise and fair.

Other Turtle Facts:

The turtle has 13 sqaures on its shell/back representing the 13 cycles of ceremonies.

Turtle shells are used to make rattles. These rattles are used in ceremony, specifically to perform the Astowakowa "Great Feather Dance" (Creator's Dance).