AUNTIE: Iokehnon:na/She tends to me.

In Ohero:kon, a young girl at the onset of her moon time will require teachings as the hormones in her body begin to signal a transformative process that transports her from being a little girl to a young woman. This gollossal changes will require voices beyond her own mother’s. This is a time when the young girl will become a niece, and she will seek out her aunties. She will look to the four directions along her family lines and call upon four women who have inspired her and who she would like to model herself after. An auntie is like a second mother, who has lived life and who will guide her metamorphosis.

To be asked to be a young nieces auntie is an honoured and crucial role during a pivotal time in her life. An auntie will guide her niece through ceremonies and practices that honour her transition, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in her cultural identity. The ceremonies themselves are deeply spiritual, weaving together prayers, seed songs, and blessings that celebrate her entry into a new phase of responsibility.
The role of the auntie extends far beyond the ceremonies, encompassing a profound mentorship that shapes the young girl’s understanding of her place in the world. As these chosen women share their own experiences, they illuminate paths of resilience, humility, and purpose. They teach by example, demonstrating the balance between strength and gentleness, independence and interdependence, and the ability to stand tall in the face of adversity while remaining rooted in cultural values.

The aunties often incorporate lessons about the cycles of the moon, the growth of plants, and the rhythms of the seasons into their teachings, helping the young girl to see her transformation as a reflection of the larger cycles of life. These symbols become lifelong guides, tying her personal journey to the ongoing story of her people and the land they inhabit.
The aunties do not simply teach through words but through actions, embodying the values and strengths they wish to impart. Their presence reinforces the idea that womanhood is not a journey one undertakes alone, but a shared experience rooted in community and support. The young niece learns that her transformation is not an isolated event but an integral chapter in the larger story of her family and community. Through this process, the aunties also empower the young girl to embrace her own voice. She is encouraged to acknowledge her own strength and to see the sacredness in her identity as a woman. This holistic guidance ensures that the girl emerges from the experience not only with a deeper understanding of her cultural responsibilities but also with a sense of resilience and confidence that will serve her throughout her life.

Additionally, the aunties’ involvement highlights the communal aspects of womanhood and leadership within cultural responsibilities. They pass on skills that transcend the ceremonial space, such as conflict resolution, nurturing relationships, and contributing to the community through acts of kindness and service.
This collective guidance not only enriches the young girl’s personal growth but also fortifies the cultural identity of the community. The traditions that the aunties uphold and the values they impart ensure that the heritage remains vibrant and relevant for future generations.

The transformative journey, guided by the aunties, ultimately underscores the importance of community in shaping and nurturing individual identity. It is a process that celebrates not just the maturity of the niece but the enduring strength of the collective. Through their nurturing roles, the aunties affirm that becoming a woman is not merely a biological milestone but a deeply spiritual and cultural evolution, interwoven with shared stories, mutual support, and unwavering respect for the sacredness of life.

Wakerakatste Louise McDonald Herne, Condoled Bear Clan Mother of the Mohawk Nation, Visionary and Founder of Oherokon and Haudenosaunee Universe.

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