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Tribal meetings produce 2005 Officers
The five tribes of the Iroquois nation gathered both collectively and separately. Their missions were twofold: Elect tribal officers and initiate the new braves and princesses.
 Although there was no competition, in many ways, this is one of the Indian Games most important events. It sets the stage for the games; showing which tribes are most experienced, most organized.
The first order of business was the tribal elections. The counselors and White People opened the proceedings by taking nominations for Chief or Sachem. Candidates made speeches and votes were cast. Once the intital tribal leader was elected, it was up to the campers to run the remainder of the program. In Indian Games, counselor have only a supervisory, not a leadership role.
Each tribe elected a Chief and Sachem; Assistant Chief and Sachem; Medicine Man and Woman, and two Storytellers, whose main responsibility is to keep the tribal journal. (CLICK HERE to see a full listing of tribal officers).
The 2005 election yielded a Pok-O-MacCready first: Two siblings were elected as leaders of their respective tribes, with Blake Artuso getting voted in as Cayuga Chief, while older brother Lex Artuso was named Chief of the Tuscarora. “It’s ‘hot’ that we’re both Chiefs,” said Lex, “but he’s going down!” Blake countered, “I think he’s a nice young man and I love him, but we’re gonna beat ‘em!”
Following the elections, new campers were initiated into their tribes in a ceremony void of hazing or scare tactics. In short, fun was had by all and in most cases, returning braves and princesses took part in the exercises as well.
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