Levi General
Levi General, also known as Deskaheh, was a prominent figure born in 1873 on the Six Nations Reserve near Brantford, Ontario. He held significant roles within the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois Confederacy, serving as a faithkeeper before becoming the hereditary chief of the Cayuga. Additionally, he was the speaker for the Six Nations Hereditary Council. Deskaheh was a staunch advocate for the autonomy of the Haudenosaunee, particularly during a time when the Canadian government sought to diminish their traditional governance by imposing an elected council in 1923.
In pursuit of autonomy, he traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, to seek support from the League of Nations, arguing for the sovereignty of the Six Nations. Although he was denied an audience with the League, his public speeches garnered significant attention and support for his cause. Unfortunately, Deskaheh's health declined after his return to Canada, leading to his death on June 25, 1925. His efforts remain a notable part of the struggle for Indigenous rights and governance in Canada.
Levi General
- Born: c. 1873
- Birthplace: Six Nations Reserve, near Brantford, Ontario, Canada
- Died: June 25, 1925
- Place of death: Tuscarora Reservation, New York
Category: Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) leader, activist
Affiliation:Cayuga, Haudenosaunee
Significance: Levi General ( also known as Deskaheh) worked to protect and expand Haudenosaunee autonomy by advocating at the international level.
Levi General (Deskaheh) was born on the Six Nations Reserve near Brantford, Ontario, in 1873. Previously a faithkeeper, in 1917 he became hereditary chief of the Cayuga, one of the members of the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois (also known as the Six Nations). He also served as the speaker of the Six Nations Hereditary Council. Deskaheh worked to protect and expand Haudenosaunee autonomy, going so far as seeking support from the League of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, after the Canadian government attempted to remove the Six Nations Hereditary Council from power.
Strongly opposed to Canada’s imposition of an elected council on the Six Nations in 1923, Deskaheh traveled to the League of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, that same year to argue for the sovereignty of the Six Nations in Canada. He was refused an audience with the League of Nations, but reportedly generated popular support after delivering a speech to the public. Deskaheh fell ill following his return from Europe and died on June 25, 1925.
Bibliography
“Centenary of the Arrival in Geneva of the Iroquois Chief Deskaheh.” Ville de Genève, 10 Feb. 2023, www.geneve.ch/en/themes/international-geneva/centenaire-venue-chef-iroquois-deskaheh. Accessed 24 May 2023
Smith, Donald B. “Deskaheh.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, Government of Canada, 8 Feb. 2023, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/levi-general. Accessed 24 May 2023.
Windle, Jim. “The Remarkable Life and Times of Deskaheh.” Two Row Times, 22 Mar. 2017, tworowtimes.com/opinion/remarkable-life-times-deskaheh/. Accessed 24 May 2023.