Tuscarora History

The Tuscarora, or as we say, "SKARU:RE" are known as "The People of the Shirt" or the "Hemp Gatherers." We are the Sixth Nation to join the Iroquois Confederacy. We call ourselves, Haudenosaunee:"People of the Longhouse." The five other nations are: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cauyga, and Seneca.

Historically, the Tuscarora were located in what is today called North Carolina. Over a period of about 100 years, however, European immigrants expanded into Tuscarora territory. Finally, the Tuscarora Wars between 1711-1713 decided the fate of the Tuscarora people. We migrated for survival and sought shelter under the Great Tree of Peace of the Iroquois Confederacy.

Words cannot describe the forced removal Tuscarora had to endure. There were many stops along the way. During the migration, Tuscarora built villages in Virginia, Maryland,and Pennsylvania. They stayed in villages between the Unadilla and Susquehanna Rivers among the Oneida Indians and along the Genesee River with the Seneca Indians. The migration was a gradual one because small groups of Tuscarora set off on the trip at various times. The migration lasted until 1803. In 1722 the Tuscarora became the Sixth Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy. As the late Seneca Chief, Corbett Sundown noted, "We welcomed them home!"

Through negotiations with the Seneca and purchases from the Holland-Land Company, the Tuscarora were able to settle in their current lands near the Niagara River in Western New York State.

Today we continue to practice our traditional form of government. We have chiefs, clan mothers, and a clan system. We are a matrilineal society which means clan identity comes from your mother. For instance, if your father is Bear and your mother is Turtle, you are a Turtle clan member.

When there is an issue or a problem we get together in our clans to discuss them and come to consensus which is to "come of one mind." The clan mother then lets the chief know of the decision. The chief then takes it to the Chiefs' Council which is made up of the Chiefs of all the clans.

There are times when matters have to be taken to the Grand Council. Grand Council is when all Six Nations come together at Onondaga.When we gather we always give thanks to the Creator for all of the things He has put here on Mother Earth for us.

Today the Tuscarora Nation reside on approximately 5,700 acres of land. On the reservation there is a Council House, a gym, the school, Seven Clan Bowmen- an archery course and meeting place, Tuskewe Krafts- the world's number one manufacturer of women's lacrosse sticks, and various other businesses. There are also Catholic, Baptist and Mission churches on the reservation.

The Tuscarora School has an extensive language and culture program which tries to integrated the history and language of the Tuscarora people throughout the curriculum.