JUNE 14, 1971

TUSCARORA CHIEF/ACTIVIST RO-WA-DA-GAH-RAH-DEH (CLINTON RICKARD) DIED

Born May 9, 1882, on the Tuscarora Reserve, Lewistown, New York, his name meant “Loud Voice.” After serving in the U.S. Army (1901-04), Clinton became a quarryman and later a farmer. In 1920, Rickard became a chief and received his tribal name. In 1926, Clinton helped found the Six Nations Defense League (SNDL) which forced Congress to amend provisions of the Immigration Act of 1924 which violated Iroquois rights under the 1794 Jay Treaty to unrestricted travel across the U.S.-Canada border. Rickard led the SNDL (later the Indian Defense League of America), for 40 years. In 1931, as Tuscarora Chiefs’ Council President, he represented the tribe before the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In World War II, he urged Native Americans volunteering for the Armed Forces to do so as Native Americans, vice U.S. citizens. Rickard later petitioned for Iroquois membership in the United Nations. He later made tape recordings in Tuscaroran to preserve the tribe’s history, culture, and language. Rickard died in Buffalo.

Sources:

“Clinton Rickard (May 19, 1882 — May 14, 1971), American Indian leader,” World Biographical Encyclopedia.  Retrived 3/7/2023, Clinton Rickard (May 19, 1882 — May 14, 1971), American Indian leader | World Biographical Encyclopedia (prabook.com)

Wikipedia

Autumn Haithcock, "Chief Clinton Rickard Statue," Clio: Your Guide to History, 8/20/2017. Retrieved March 7, 2023. https://www.theclio.com/entry/44104  

Photo:  Anon198240, 1/8/1914. Likely Public Domain. Permissive Use.