I am proud to be a son of Six Nations of the Grand River, a First Nations jewel whose very name means community, cooperation and peace. I was born and raised here, and learned values and lessons that have never failed me in business nor in life.
The American author Thomas Wolfe once wrote, “You Can’t Go Home Again,” but for me, I have never left; and when I am gone for any period of time, I always seem to return to a timeless place, where a welcoming people, a rich culture and the kaleidoscopic dreams of generations resolutely endure. Six Nations represents the unity of Iroquois tribes that learned over a very long history that standing together was the way forward for the people. The alliance was formed deep in our history by a man we revere as The Peacemaker. By his example, enlightenment and wisdom, he convinced the separate nations to choose peace and cooperation over conflict. The story of The Peacemaker is rich with symbols. For example, he is said to have taught the lesson of strength in unity by first breaking a single arrow, illustrating its fragility; and then holding aloft five arrows in a bundle that could not be broken. These arrows represented the original five nations, the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca nations. Centuries later, the Tuscarora nation became the sixth. In one of the most powerful symbols in our tradition, The Peacemaker sealed a lasting peace among the nations by convincing tribal leaders to bury their weapons of war under a towering white pine, the Tree of Peace. The Peacemaker was also a political philosopher who established a solid social foundation that survives to this day, The Great Law. As one of our histories describes it: “The Great Law emphasizes care, living life with a good mind and good intentions, abiding by the laws of nature, and individual freedom through the wellbeing of whole communities.” Guided by this enlightened philosophy, the Iroquois Confederacy thrived, and its influence extended far beyond the tribes. In fact, some of the key American Founding Fathers studied the Iroquois system of governance, with its concepts of federalism and separation of powers. The high status afforded to women in the society was also centuries ahead of its time. Beyond designing political structures, the Iroquois nations have excelled in practical, innovative building designs. The Iroquois are often referred to as the Haudenosaunee, which literally translates as: “They build houses.” As the founder of a commercial and residential construction company in Six Nations, I take pride in that special cultural inheritance — I am so fortunate to be able to carry this great tradition forward. Six Nations of the Grand River is the most populous First Nation territory in Canada. More than 12,000 residents live in towns like Beavers Corner, Longboat Corners, Medina Corners, Millers Corner, Ohsweken, St. Johns, Smith Corners, Smoothtown, Sour Spring and Stoneridge. Just about an hour’s drive from Toronto, our land is located along the Grand River within a rare and beautiful Carolinian forest. Here, there is much to see, much to enjoy — and always so much to learn. |
AuthorJason Hill is a respected entrepreneur and innovator who learned important lessons about life, business and success growing up in Six Nations, Ontario. Archives
January 2023
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