This week, Stefania tells Laura the story of: ORONHYATEKHA -meaning "Burning Sky" or "Burning Cloud" - was also known as Peter Martin. Coming from the Mohawk and Six Nations peoples, he became the second Indigenous man to become a doctor in Canada. He was an award-winning rifleman, an influential political force, an outspoken champion of the rights of women, children, and minorities and an accomplished businessman, driven by the laws and teachings of his people and the Victorian era. His unwavering belief in the pursuit of security, justice, and equality for all were pillars in his life and work as the CEO of a multinational financial institution. In some circles, Dr. O has achieved legendary status for his remarkable success at a time when racism and pressure for First Nations peoples to assimilate were commonplace. Born: August 10, 1841, Six Nations; Died: March 3, 1907, Savannah, Georgia, U.S.

Episode Sources

1. Hamilton, Michelle A.. "Oronhyatekha".  The Canadian Encyclopedia, 11 November 2020, Historica Canada. 
2. Bowen, Leah Simone, Johnson, Falen: Hosts. Season 2, Episode 16: “Shout Out to Dr. O”. The Secret Life of Canada. CBC Podcasts. 
3. Oronhyatekha. Wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oronhyatekha
4. CBC Podcasts. “Meet Oronhyatekha, the Mohawk doctor who made history.” CBC.ca.  
5. Canada’s History: Dr. Oronhyatkeha 
6. Cabbagetown People: The Social History of a Canadian Inner City Neighbourhood. Oronhyatekha, M.D. 1841-1907
7. McCleod, Susanna. Dr. Oronhyatekha Held On to Traditions. The Kingston Whig Standard. Feb. 25, 2020