The ideal of a man is to be a great warrior. Training in the use of weapons begins at an early age. Our warriors must be sure footed and know how to travel over the land, swiftly navigate our birch-bark canoes in rivers and rapids, and need to be nimble moving through the forests.

Young men must learn to face hardship without complaining and must look for opportunities to demonstrate their bravery. Many demonstrate this by holding burning sticks to their flesh. Fighting against the enemy is the greatest way a young man can become a warrior and gain prestige.

Parties of up to six young men will move into Iroquois country in the summer. They conceal themselves hoping to capture a prisoner. The more adventurous will sneak into enemy villages to show their bravery. Prisoners are taken back to the Huron villages. The scalps (onontsira) of dead enemies are taken and set on poles to demonstrate a warrior’s prowess.

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