The Sakochee Government

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 A Council of Unity, A Chief by Blood and Spirit

The Sakochee Tribe’s government structure is founded on ancestral tradition, accountability, and cultural wisdom. Unlike modern electoral systems, the Sakochee govern through a hereditary chiefdom, supported by an elected Council of Advisors.

This model reflects ancient Native American leadership traditions, where leaders were chosen by lineage, community respect, and spiritual responsibility—not politics.

At the heart of the Sakochee Nation is our Hereditary Chief—a role passed through bloodline, guided by spiritual calling, and grounded in the collective memory of our people. The Chief does not campaign or seek power. They are born into responsibility and raised in cultural and ancestral teachings.

Our current Chief, Alexander Ziwahatan, is openly gay and resides in Oregon, in the United States. His leadership reflects cultural revitalization, inclusivity, and the strength of mixed-blood heritage.

The Chief serves as:

• Spiritual leader and protector of tribal traditions 
• Final voice on matters of sovereignty 
• Cultural ambassador to tribal, governmental, and international bodies
   

The Sakochee Council is composed of respected tribal members elected by the community to serve as advisors to the Chief. They represent the voice of the people, bring forth proposals, and collaborate on all matters that affect the tribe.

The Council is responsible for:

• Proposing laws and initiatives 
• Overseeing programs, enrollment, and events 
• Protecting the welfare and rights of members
   

The Chief holds a permanent seat on the Council but listens to its wisdom as the collective heart of the people.

In many Native traditions, leadership was not transactional—it was sacred. Chiefs were born into families recognized for their spiritual gifts, historical service, or protective role in the tribe.

By honoring this legacy, the Sakochee preserve the original values of continuity, sacred duty, and community respect. Unlike colonial systems built on separation of power and popular vote, our system prioritizes balance between wisdom passed down and voices rising up.

• Haudenosaunee Confederacy (Iroquois Nations): The Six Nations continue to follow a traditional governance model where chiefs (Hoyaneh) are selected by Clan Mothers, often from specific family lines. These roles are lifetime appointments based on lineage and wisdom.
• Yurok Tribe (California): While their government includes modern structures, traditional villages still recognize hereditary leadership, especially for ceremonial responsibilities and spiritual guidance.
• Muscogee (Creek) Nation: Historically, the Muscogee had hereditary chiefs called mikos. While their modern government is elected, cultural memory and certain ceremonial roles remain hereditary in nature.
• Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape (New Jersey): The tribe acknowledges a hereditary Chief whose family line has led the people for generations. They also maintain a Tribal Council and active community engagement in governance.

The Sakochee government is both traditional and forward-thinking. While rooted in ancestral forms of leadership, we embrace modern tools of communication, digital infrastructure, and transparency. We are committed to:

• Cultural sovereignty 
• Inclusive identity recognition 
• Sustainable community development 
• Intergenerational leadership training
   

“Our Chief leads with the wisdom of those who came before. Our Council speaks with the voice of those alive today. Together, we govern not with power—but with purpose.”
— Sakochee Tribal Charter