reasons. Iroquois did because of burden, and Micmac did it to relieve pain and
suffering.
In Micmac society, marriages were preformed in the summer and courtship
was strict. The Iroquois could marry at anytime. Polygamy was okay in Micmac
society and was not in Iroquois society. Adultery was rare in the Iroquois
society and punishable by whipping or mutilization. In Micmac–marriage of an
uncle, cousin, siblings and nieces and nephews, was forbidden. In the Iroquois
society, marriage to anyone within the clan was forbidden.
In Iroquois society, witchcraft was the most serious offence. If the
person could not be reformed, they were put to death. Treason was just as bad
and punishable the same as witchcraft. The clan mother can remove a chief for
violating sacred trust of his people and committed a crime. Small offenses were
punishable by ostracism. Iroquois also believed offenses brought evil, such as
drought, famine, or other scourge upon entire community. The planting festival
was used for all to confess any transgressions that could have angered the Great
Spirit.
Although there are many similarities between both the Micmac and the
Iroquois, there are some differences that make them separate communities. The
government and laws are only a small part of what unites these communities as
Aboriginals, but separates them as communities.