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 Rank: Commander Duty: First Officer Race: Human |
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Rank: Commander Duty: First Officer Race: Human |
When Chakotay was a young man, his father called him a "contrary". That term fits Chakotay precisely, since he is a man of very contrary nature. A graduate of Starfleet Academy trained in the technology and ways of the 24th century, he maintains respect for and belief in the traditional rituals and practices of his ancient Indian culture. He is a man of very contrary experience as well. After leaving Starfleet to join the renegade Maquis to fight the Cardassians, he and his group were swept into the Delta Quadrant, where he was forced to join forces with Captain Kathryn Janeway and the crew of the U.S.S. Voyager in order to survive.
Chakotay was born in a Federation colony near the Cardassian border, to an Indian tribe that had relocated from Earth to preserve their culture. Chakotay did not embrace the tradtions of his tribe, and broke away to attend Starfleet Academy. While serving in Starfleet he learned his father died fighting the Cardassians, who were trying to take over his home colony. Chakotay joined the Maquis to continue the fight in his father's name, wearing a tattoo on his forehead to honor his father and his ancestors.
Chakotay's appointment as first officer aboard Voyager was vital in beginning the necessary alliance between Federation and Maquis crew members on board. He is fiercely devoted to Janeway, finding a sense of peace within himself through the performance of his duty to her. A private and proud man, Chakotay felt deeply betrayed when his former lover Seska was revealed as a Cardassian spy who then betrayed the Voyager crew to the warlike Kazon race.
Chakotay still practices the ritual of his tribe aboard Voyager, engaging in spiritual vision quests where he is counseled by his spirit guide and communicates with his father's spirit. On one planet in the Delta Quadrant, he even encountered the ancient Sky People who visited his ancestors on Earth. This heritage and experience gives Chakotay a sense of focus and peace that helps him to make the best of any situation, and make him indispensable on the starship's long journey home.
Interesting Facts
Chakotay's sponsor to Starfleet Academy was Captain Sulu.
Chakotay's spirit guide is a wolf (but not according to co-creator Jeri Taylor's book, Pathways...his spirit guide there is a snake).
Chakotay is a vegetarian. His favorite soup is mushroom.
Chakotay's ancestors are the Rubber People who lived in the rain forests of Central America.
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