Clan Mothers

Although this post is regarding the role of a Cherokee Clan Mother…it is the same in the Mi’kmaq tradtional ways.  In our family, the Clan Mother (my sister in law) has the final voice for our family.

 WHAT IS A CLAN MOTHER?

A clan mother works with the chiefs in making decisions for the people, they also have the duty to ensure that our way of life continues. The Clan Mothers gather and sit to decide when the ceremonies will begin. Then the Clan Mothers supervise the food, and soups that are needed for each ceremony. And ceremonies cannot begin without the Clan Mothers present.
Children are the future of any community and the Clan Mothers are important in raising the children. When a new baby is born, it is the Clan Mother who provides the name of the baby of her clan. It is said that the Clan Mother has a bag of names at the ready.
The Clan Mothers also make sure that the children are raised in the ways and customs of the Longhouse. Often when people have questions or there is a dispute among families, often it is the Clan Mother who is sought after for guidance.