1879 Under the leadership of Dr. Oronhyatekha

Dr. Oronhyatekha (O-ron-ya-teh-ka) was the first Oxford-educated First Nations person and Canada’s second First Nations Doctor of Medicine. He joined Foresters in 1878 and became our Supreme Chief Ranger (now known as International Fraternal President) in 1879. Under him, the IOF grew to an organization with over 250,000 members and an insurance fund of over $10 million.

Oronhyatekha grew up on the Mohawk Indian Reserve in Brantford, Ontario. There, he received a formal English education and developed a dual culture between his Mohawk ancestry and the modern Victorian era he was experiencing. He always insisted on being called Oronhyatekha, but he did adopt the dress and manners of an English gentleman.

In 1860, at 20 years old, Oronhyatekha was invited to speak on behalf of the Six Nations Confederacy during the Prince of Wales visit to the Mohawk Indian Reserve. After his speech, the Prince recommended that his personal physician sponsor an education for Oronhyatekha at Oxford. After studying at Oxford, Oronhyatekha returned to Canada and earned a degree in medicine. He had opened his practice in Frankford, Ontario, and became known for being a skilled pathologist.

After becoming a member and then the Supreme Chief Ranger at Foresters, Dr. Oronhyatekha added new benefits for death, sickness, funerals and disability for IOF members. He also created a proposal to allow women as members in 1882. But it wasn’t until 1898 that women were officially allowed to join Foresters.

For years, women members only belonged to companion courts with their own charters, regalia and more. They were typically called upon to help assist with activities in the men’s courts. Unfortunately, during these early years, women weren’t allowed to hold positions of high office.

After many successful years, and with the number of members growing steadily, it was time for the IOF to have its own building. Construction for the new IOF building started in 1895. Three years later, it was finished and christened “The Foresters Temple.” At 12 stories, it was the tallest structure in the British Empire at the time.

Article source: https://www.foresters.com/en-ca/about/foresters150