Degree of Pocahontas

The Degree was founded in Elmira, New York. == Organization ==

Local units are called "Councils" and meeting places "Tepees". The president of a local Council is called "Pocahontas" and is assisted by a "Powatan", a male counselor. The immediate past president is called a "Prophetess". Other officials of a local Council include the "Wenonah", the "Keeper of Wampum" and the "Keeper of Records". The state level of the organization is similar to the local level. and their presidents are called "Great Pocahontases". The National Degree of Pocahontases is made up of Past Great Pocahontases and elects a Board of Great Chiefs from its number. The Board of Great Chiefs consists of seven officers: "National Pocahontas", "National Wenonah", "National Minnehaha", " National Prophetess", "National Keeper of Records", "National Keeper of Wampum" and "National Collector of Wampum". A youth auxiliary was founded in 1952, the Degree of Anona. This degree was not very popular, however, mustering only 90 local Councils and less than 5,000 members in 1979, principally in New England. == Membership ==

In 1907 the Degree had 26,000 members. As of January 1, 1921, the Degree claimed 120,000 members, averaging approximately 70 per each Council. In 1977 there were 22,827 members which represented a drop of 1,731 from the previous "two Great Suns", or two years. In the early 1920s, membership was open only to white women over 18, who were of good moral character and "a firm belief evidenced by life and act, and not mere declaration alone in the existence in the Great Spirit – God – in whose hands all power is, and to whom all are accountable." == Ritual ==

The order has a secret ritual, signs and passwords. New members are required to attend an initiation ceremony. == Political activity ==

They have provided financial support to fight communism. == See also ==