Oronhyatekha National Historic Person

Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Ontario
The memorial stained glass window donated to the Christ Church Royal Chapel by Oronhyatheka's family © Parks Canada
memorial stained glass window
© Parks Canada
The memorial stained glass window donated to the Christ Church Royal Chapel by Oronhyatheka's family © Parks CanadaOronhyatekha © image courtesy of the Royal Ontario MuseumOronhyatekha © image courtesy of the Royal Ontario MuseumOronhyatekha © Parks Canada
Address : County Road 2 / Church Lane, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Ontario

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 2001-10-17
Life Date: 1841 to 1907

Other Name(s):
  • Oronhyatekha  (Designation Name)
  • Peter Martin  (Other Name)
Research Report Number: 2001-025

Importance: First accredited Aboriginal medical doctor in Canada

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque: Her Majesty's Christ Church Chapel NHSC County Road 2 / Church Lane, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Ontario

A distinguished philanthropist, Oronhyatekha transformed the Independent Order of Foresters (IOF) into a successful fraternal organization which saw to the well-being of its members and came to the aid of many people in need. A Mohawk born at Six Nations, he began his career in teaching and continued in medicine, becoming in 1867 the first accredited Aboriginal medical doctor to practice in Canada. Peter Martin maintained his principal residence at Tyendinaga and, from here, tirelessly devoted his efforts to building the IOF into a financially strong international organization.