Interview with Chief Jacob Thomas, condoled Cayuga elder of the Sandpiper Clan, conducted by Jon W. Parmenter at his home in Ohsweken, Ontario. Includes extensive discussion of the formation of the Haudenosaunee League, oral tradition on the Haudenosaunee condolence ceremony, processes of consensual decision-making, and the structure and workings of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, as well as discussion of his personal life experiences, and his involvement in contemporary political issues.

Recorded in 1950 with consultants Lucenda George and Pat Johnson. Contains numerous autobiographical stories, descriptions of contemporary life on the Onondaga Reservation, and descriptions of tribal customs, foods, history, and governmental. There are 54 texts altogether given in Onondaga only--13 told by Pat Johnson, 41 by Lucenda George. Of these texts, 35 are translated into English by Lucenda George as the earlier recordings are played back to her in short segments. There are no transcripts or other documentation accompanying these recordings.