Daniel Garakontie
Daniel Garakontie was a notable Iroquois chief recognized for his efforts to foster peace between the Iroquois tribes and French colonists in the 17th century. His early life remains largely undocumented, but he first appeared in European records as a mediator, notably attempting to prevent conflicts between the Iroquois and the French. He played a pivotal role in negotiating a truce in 1661 and made further attempts to establish peace in subsequent years despite facing opposition from anti-French factions within his community. Garakontie was also known for his close relationships with French Jesuit missionaries, which influenced his political and religious decisions.
In 1670, after a period of promoting missionary work among the Iroquois, he was baptized in Quebec City, supported by the colonial governor, who served as his godfather. His conversion to Christianity was met with mixed reactions from his people; while some criticized him for aligning with the French, others respected his dedication and leadership skills. Garakontie's belief in the potential benefits of French influence for the Iroquois set him apart as a significant figure who balanced cultural ties and political autonomy. Ultimately, his legacy is marked by his diplomatic efforts and the complex interplay of indigenous and colonial relations during a transformative period in North American history.
Daniel Garakontie
- Born: c. 1600
- Birthplace: Present-day Onondaga, New York
- Died: c. 1676
- Place of death: Present-day Onondaga, New York
Category: Diplomat, orator
Tribal affiliation: Onondaga
Significance: Garakontie was a highly skilled negotiator between the Onondaga (and other Five Nations Iroquois) and the French in New France
Not much is known of Garakontie’s early life. He was first noted in European records for attempting to prevent war between the Iroquois and the French, and for sheltering Jesuits in Iroquois towns from attack by anti-French forces. He enjoyed warm personal relationships with several French Jesuit missionaries. Garakontie engineered a truce between the Iroquois and the French in 1661 and attempted in 1665 and 1666 to do the same. There were strong anti-French factions arrayed against him within the Iroquois tribes, which often foiled his efforts to improve Native American and white relations with the French colonists.
Following the 1667 French-Iroquois peace, Garakontie greatly encouraged the work of the missions and missionaries in Iroquoia, although not until 1669 did he express his wish to be baptized. Political alignments clearly preceded his religious convictions. He was baptized in 1670 in the cathedral at Quebec City. The colonial governor, Daniel de Rémy de Courcelle, who served as his godfather, hosted a feast for the attending Indians following the ceremony. Garakontie remained devoted to his adopted faith, learned to read and write, and on a visit to New Netherlands, scolded Protestant Dutchmen who criticized his theological convictions.
Garakontie did not always enjoy popularity and support among his own people; many of them denounced him for accepting Christianity and for allying closely with the French. He was not, however, a mere tool of the French. Garakontie believed that his people could learn some useful things from the French, and that Iroquois interests would be best served in most cases by siding with the French rather than with the Dutch or the English in Albany. This cost him dearly at times, but he was at all times highly respected among his own people, and his oratory, political skills, and honesty were unquestioned.