Dr. Oronhyatekha

Oronhyatekha (1841–1907), whose Mohawk name translates as Burning Cloud, was a medical doctor recognized primarily for his role as Supreme Chief Ranger of the Independent Order of Foresters. Oronhyatekha was designated by Parks Canada in 2001 as a "Person of National Historic Significance" based on his "distinguished career in fraternalism and philanthropy" and for having built the IOF "into a successful international and financially healthy organization." He is the author of History of the Independent Order of Foresters (1894).

"A portrait of a distinguished man, not what you would expect while looking at a portrait of a First Nations man because we have come to expect a noble chief wearing an eagle feather headdress. My grandmother, she spoke of the Doctor with pride, they were related and she would be proud to know his portrait hangs with other distinguished men." Jeff Thomas (Iroquois/Onondaga), artist, curator, cultural critic.