Birth of a Nation: The Haudenosaunee Confederacy

Introduction

• Democracy was born over a thousand years ago at Onondaga Lake in central New York.
• The Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca people were at war, causing great bloodshed.
• The Creator sent a messenger, known as the Peacemaker, to bring peace among these nations.

The Peacemaker's Journey

• Born on the northern shores of Lake Ontario, raised by his mother and grandmother.
• Carved a canoe out of white stone to travel and spread the message of peace.
• First encounter was with Jikonhsaseh, who agreed to promote peace, becoming the first to accept the great peace.
• Established the role of Clan Mother to counsel and oversee leaders within their clans.

Uniting the Nations

• Mohawk Nation: The first to accept the peace after testing the Peacemaker's resolve at Cohoes Falls.
• Concept of Five Arrows: Symbolize nations bound together under one law.
• The Peacemaker advocated for living under one unifying law of peace.

Challenges to Peace

• Tadodaho: An Onondaga man known for his evil nature, initially resisted peace.
• Hiawatha: Overcame grief through the creation of the wampum string, joined the Peacemaker in spreading peace.
• Seneca Nation: Convinced to join after witnessing a solar eclipse.

Formation of the Grand Council

• Grand Council comprised of 50 chiefs: 9 Mohawk, 9 Oneida, 14 Onondaga, 10 Cayuga, 8 Seneca.
• Tadodaho's Role: Preside over the council ensuring decisions are made with a good mind for current and future generations.

Symbolism and Unity

• White Pine Tree: Uprooted and weapons buried to symbolize peace.
• Planted an eagle on the tree to warn of dangers.
• Hiawatha Belt: Created to record the event, representing the unity of the nations.

Philosophy of Peace

• One Dish and One Spoon: Metaphor for shared resources and peace among the Haudenosaunee.
• Commitment to peace that has lasted for centuries.

For further reading, refer to the History of Relations with our Brothers.