It takes approximately 40 years of mentoring and experience for a person to begin to adequately function as a M'hican leader. Sagamores serve for life.
Their primary function is to make sure the people are fed, sheltered and clothed. They do not decide policy except in emergencies but are listened to and respected for their wisdom in many areas. A Sagamore is trained in being aware, in compassion, diplomacy, martial arts, medicine, law, leadership, logistics, psychology, the art of war, managerial skills, interpersonal skills, etc.
A child's training in a craft begins around age 6-7. This is also true with leadership training. However, the time at the end of World War II was one of great change and our leaders were aware of the tremendous peril indigenous faced. Therefore, the training of Michael J. D'Amico began at birth. He was one of about a half dozen being so trained. Cousin Billy, William Morris Lewis, son of William Kelley Lewis, the Peace Sagamore, was the leading candidate to succeed his father. Unfortunately, Billy along with cousin Morris were killed at a grade crossing returning to active duty at Floyd Bennett Field, Thanksgiving weekend in 1955. In February 1967, Uncle Bill, Peace Sagamore, walked on in. Aunt Muddie, clan mother walked on in March, 1967, Uncle Truc, first born of Lucy Davis and Richard Reuben and clan leader departed in July, and Owaya Sagamore, Barney was heart attacked in August, 1967. By the end of the Nam conflict, there was one replacement still being trained. Fortunately, circumstances kept him out of the military, the conflict and alive.
A child's training in a craft begins around age 6-7. This is also true with leadership training. However, the time at the end of World War II was one of great change and our leaders were aware of the tremendous peril indigenous faced. Therefore, the training of Michael J. D'Amico began at birth. He was one of about a half dozen being so trained. Cousin Billy, William Morris Lewis, son of William Kelley Lewis, the Peace Sagamore, was the leading candidate to succeed his father. Unfortunately, Billy along with cousin Morris were killed at a grade crossing returning to active duty at Floyd Bennett Field, Thanksgiving weekend in 1955. In February 1967, Uncle Bill, Peace Sagamore, walked on in. Aunt Muddie, clan mother walked on in March, 1967, Uncle Truc, first born of Lucy Davis and Richard Reuben and clan leader departed in July, and Owaya Sagamore, Barney was heart attacked in August, 1967. By the end of the Nam conflict, there was one replacement still being trained. Fortunately, circumstances kept him out of the military, the conflict and alive.
Wicawau Sagamore is the leader of all the M'heakannuck
who recognize themselves as M'heakannuck.
.jpeg "Barney Lewis - Owaya Sagamore")
"Barney"
Bernard Aloysius Livingstone Lewis
Owaya Sagamore
May 13, 1905 - August 10, 1967