Iroquois

Children

Hello, my name is Kanatiiosh (Kan-a-tee-osh), I am an Iroquois child.  Myself and my siblings are often around and listening when adults hold discussions.  Discussions are part of our daily life in the longhouse. We grow up hearing about issues and learning how decisions are made. Both women and men have important positions in the Iroquois Confederacy, so both girls and boys know they too would have important roles when they grow up.

*Women had two ways to make their voices heard: as Clan Mothers and through Women’s Councils.

Hello, I am Skawennati, a Clan Mother of the Bear Clan, in the Iroquois Confederacy.  Each clan has their own Clan Mother.  I am the oldest and most respected woman in my clan. The title of clan mother is hereditary.  It was passed on to me because I was the relative that was thought to be best suited for the position. I am responsible for my clan’s welfare and for maintaining harmony and balance within the clans and nations. I am responsible for selecting the Hoyaneh, the male leaders of the Iroquois Confederacy. The Great Law of Peace says the Hoyaneh has to put the needs of their people first. I can replace any Hoyaneh who fail to do this.  I am advised by the Women’s Councils and Men’s Councils. I, then, in turn advise the Hoyaneh of the people’s position on issues.  I have a strong, indirect influence on decision making.  I am responsible for knowing and keeping the Great Law of Peace. 

*How did this process ensure that both men and women had a voice in their government?

Hello, my name is Genessee, I am a woman in the Iroquois Confederacy.  I am a member of the Women’s Councils, which is responsible for developing positions on important issues. Because I am not a Clan Mother I take part in councils. Through consensus, we advise the Clan Mothers.

*Men had two ways to make their voices heard: as Hoyaneh (today we call them chiefs) and through Men’s Councils.

Hello, my name is Guyasuta.  I am a Hoyaneh, the male leader of my nation, the Seneca. Hoyaneh means “Caretakers of the Peace.”  I am responsible for knowing and keeping the Great Law of Peace.  I was chosen and am advised by my Clan Mother. Each nation has several Hoyaneh. Most of the time, we meet to make decisions on what is best for our nation now and in the future, for example about whether to expand or move a village.  We use consensus to arrive at the best way forward.  I also represent my nation at meetings of the Grand Council.  I am responsible for being honest, kind hearted, and being able to withstand criticism.  

Hello, my name is Hasanoanda, I am a man of the Iroquois Confederacy.  I am a member of the Men’s Councils, along with all the men in my clan.  We meet and come to consensus on issues. We, like the women of clans, advise the Clan Mothers.

Consensus is…

• Inclusive - as many members of the group as possible should be involved in the decision-making process.

• Participatory - input and participation of all members

• Cooperative - Participants strive to reach the best possible solution for all of the members rather than a majority opinion

• Solution-oriented - Participants strive to emphasize common agreement over differences using compromise.

• Equal - All members are given equal participation

EXTRA INFORMATION

Mohawk:

• http://www.bigorrin.org/mohawk_kids.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/mohawk-legends.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/mohawk_culture.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/mohawk.htm#language

Onondaga:

• http://www.bigorrin.org/onondaga_kids.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/onondaga-legends.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/onondaga_culture.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/onondaga.htm#language

Seneca:

• http://www.bigorrin.org/seneca_kids.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/seneca-legends.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/seneca_culture.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/seneca.htm#language

Cayuga:

• http://www.bigorrin.org/cayuga_kids.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/cayuga-legends.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/cayuga_culture.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/cayuga.htm#language

Oneida:

• http://www.bigorrin.org/oneida_kids.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/oneida-legends.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/oneida_culture.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/oneida.htm#language

Tuscarora:

• http://www.bigorrin.org/tuscarora_kids.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/tuscarora-legends.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/tuscarora_culture.htm

• http://www.native-languages.org/tuscarora.htm#language

The Iroquois Confederacy Clans:

Bear    |     Wolf    |     Turtle    |     Snipe    |     Deer    |     Beaver    |     Heron    |     Hawk    |     Eel