Oronhyatekha

Oronhyatekha (10 August 1841 – 3 March 1907), also known as Dr. Oronhyatekha, was a Mohawk physician, scholar, and businessman. He was the first indigenous student at the University of Oxford and one of the first indigenous physicians in Canada. He was also a prominent Freemason and served as the Supreme Chief Ranger of the Independent Order of Foresters from 1879 until his death in 1907.

Early life and education

Oronhyatekha was born on 10 August 1841 on the Six Nations Reserve near Brantford, Ontario. He was baptized Peter Martin, but later adopted the Mohawk name Oronhyatekha, which means "Burning Sky" or "Burning Cloud". He attended the New England Company school on the reserve and later the Kendalwood Academy in Whitby, Ontario.

In 1860, Oronhyatekha was selected to give a speech to Prince Edward of Wales during his visit to Canada. His eloquence impressed the prince, who arranged for him to study at the University of Oxford. Oronhyatekha became the first indigenous student at Oxford, where he studied theology with the intention of becoming a minister.

Career

After returning to Canada, Oronhyatekha decided to pursue a career in medicine instead of the ministry. He enrolled at the University of Toronto's medical school and graduated in 1866, becoming one of the first indigenous physicians in Canada.

Oronhyatekha was also a successful businessman. He owned a number of businesses in the Toronto area, including a medical practice, a drug store, and a photography studio. He was also involved in the real estate industry.

In 1879, Oronhyatekha was elected Supreme Chief Ranger of the Independent Order of Foresters, a fraternal organization that provided insurance benefits to its members. He transformed the organization from a small, struggling group into a successful international organization with hundreds of thousands of members.

Death and legacy

Oronhyatekha died on 3 March 1907. His legacy lives on in the many organizations he was involved with, as well as in the Oronhyatekha Historical Centre in Toronto, which houses a collection of his personal artifacts and memorabilia.

See also

• List of first minority male lawyers and judges in Canada
• List of Freemasons
• List of University of Oxford people

External links

• Oronhyatekha Historical Centre

Oronhyatekha Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia