Name
The Neutrals were called Attawandaron by the Hurons, meaning "people whose speech is awry or a little different".
The French called the people "Neutral" (French: la Nation neutre) because they tried to remain neutral between the warring Huron and Iroquois peoples. A plausible reason for their neutrality during the Huron-Iroquois war was the presence of flint grounds within their territory near the eastern end of Lake Erie. Because the Attawandaron possessed this important resource, used for spearheads and arrowheads, they could maintain their neutrality. Once neighbouring nations began to receive firearms from the European powers, however, the possession of the flint grounds served as no advantage.
The chief of the Neutrals in their last years was named Tsouharissen ("Child of the Sun") who led several raids against the Mascouten, who lived in territory in present-day Michigan and Ohio. Tsouharissen died around 1646.
Read more about this topic: Neutral Nation
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