Larry,

I was speaking more to the complexity, depth and richness of the Iroquoian Federation than to the actual practices. I would imagine that in any culture that places a high value on family, community and clan/tribe, banishment would be viewed as extremely severe.

I do appreciate the information. And my information came from an outsider. A Social Anthropology book as I recall. Any book you'd recommend that might provide a insight would be appreciated.

I ask this with a little hesitancy. Back in the 60's and early 70's I had a very good friend whose grandfather was the Shaman of his tribe. This was when a lot of well meaning liberals suddenly discovered their were Native Americans outside of TV and movies and how neat they were. A couple of anthropologists interviewed her grandfather about the rituals, practices and beliefs of the tribe. He spent several months laying it all out in great detail. They went away and wrote papers, and he told his granddaughter what he'd done. And added that he'd made the whole thing up. A man after my own heart.

Regards John