Heritage
My name is Robert D'Alimonte and I'm a Tuscarora member of the Haudenosaunee. We are also called the Six Nations Confederacy by the English and the Iroquois by the French. Haudenosaunee means "People of the Long House." I am very proud of my heritage. We have a rich history and are the only continous democracy still in existance in North America. The Haudenosaunee consist of the Seneca, Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, and Tuscarora tribes.
The Haudenosaunee were influential when the Founding Fathers of the United States were creating the US Constitution. The Continental Congress met with Haudenosaunee Chiefs in Philadelphia to discuss how the Haudenonsaunee set up their government. Some components of the US Constitution are directly related to this influence. For example, the Haudenosaunee are structured as a federated government where tribes govern themselves, but send appointed representatives (Chiefs) to a central government (Grand Council in Onondaga Terroritory) to make decisions that affect all Six Nations.
The Haudenosaunee were also well ahead of their European counterparts in terms of their treatement of women. Women are held in very high regard. While the women of the United States were just given the right to vote in the 20th Century, Haudenosaunee Women have been appointing the Chiefs for centuries. As such, women have much power and influence over the Nations.
Haudenosaunee lineage is traced from the mother's side - we are matrilineal society. My mother is the daughter of Alma and Stan Hill. My grandfather was a Mowhawk, Turtle Clan and my grandmother was a Tuscarora, Beaver Clan. Thus, my mother and I are Tuscarora, Beaver Clan. See the Wikipedia for more information on the Haudenosaunee.
Growing up, I spent a large part of my youth at my grandparent's house on Grand Island, NY (the largest fresh water island in North America). It is located in the Niagara River on the Western part of New York State.). There, my grandfather, Stan Hill, spent the last 35 years of his life as a bone and antler carver. He became widely known throughout North America and Europe for his work. I attended many craft shows, art exhibits, and Pow Wows, with my family. It was his work and life that inspired me to get started on my own. If you are interested in his work, please check out our Tribute to Stan Hill page.
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