Embedded Files
We use the name Haudenosaunee (pronounced hoe-deh-no-SHOW-nee). This is the name the people use for themselves, meaning "People of the Longhouse." The word "Iroquois" was a name given to them by French settlers and was often used as an insult. Using "Haudenosaunee" shows respect for their true identity and culture.
Structure of the Confederacy
Structure of the Confederacy
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy was originally five nations (and later six) joined together under the Great Law of Peace.
The Six Nations: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and the last to join, Tuscarora.
The Grand Council: A group of 50 Chiefs (Hoyaneh) who met to make decisions for the entire Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
The Longhouse: Just as their homes were long and shared, their government was designed so that everyone lived "under one roof" of peace.
Role & status of women
Role & status of women
The Haudenosaunee were a matrilineal society, meaning family line and property were traced through the mother.
Clan Mothers: The female leaders of the clans. They held the most power in many ways.
Choosing Leaders: Clan Mothers chose the Hoyaneh (Chiefs) and could remove them if they weren't doing a good job.
Decision Makers: Women participated in all levels of the process and ensured the needs of the children and the land were protected.
the power of consensus
the power of consensus
Unlike Alberta (where 51% wins with majority rule), the Haudenosaunee used consensus.
What is it? Consensus means everyone must agree on a decision before it moves forward.
Advantages: Everyone feels heard; the decision is strong because the whole community supports it.
Disadvantages: It takes a very long time; it is hard to reach an agreement if people have very different ideas.
the grand council (the consensus process)
the grand council (the consensus process)
The Older Brothers (Mohawk and Seneca) discuss the issue first.
The Younger Brothers (Oneida and Cayuga) discuss it next.
The Keepers of the Council Fire (Onondaga) give the final judgment or send it back if there is no agreement.
wampum belts & collective identity
wampum belts & collective identity
Wampum: Beads made from shells used to record history, treaties, and laws.
Hiawatha Belt: The most famous belt, showing the five original nations joined together by a line of peace (below right).
Two Row Wampum Belt: A 1613 treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Dutch representing peace, friendship, and respect. It uses two purple rows on a white beaded belt to symbolize a canoe and a ship traveling side-by-side on the river of lifeβparallel, equal, and separate, without interfering with each other's laws or customs (below left).
Identity: It proved that while they were separate nations, they were one collective group with a shared destiny.
equity & fairness
equity & fairness
Equality: No one nation was "better" than another. Each had a specific role.
Fairness: By including women and requiring total agreement (consensus), the system ensured that minorities weren't ignored by the majority.
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