Lecture Notes: The Iroquois Confederacy

Introduction

• The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Six Nations, refers to themselves as the Haudenosaunee (People of the Longhouse).
• Known for their long bark-covered houses that accommodated many families.
• Located in upper New York and Southeastern Canada.
• Often characterized as one of the world's oldest participatory democracies.

Formation and Structure

• Originally consisted of five nations: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca.
• Later joined by the Tuscarora, forming the Six Nations.
• Constitution known as the Great Law of Peace, thought to influence the US Constitution.

The Peacemaker Story

• The Iroquois were originally at war with each other.
• The Peacemaker and Hiawatha, a mourning Onondaga chief, sought unity.
• Timeline debated: late 1100s or late 1500s.
• Traveled to nations to share ideas of peace, leading to the Great Law of Peace.

Governance

• Confederacy based on peace and consensus rather than conflict.
• Each nation maintained its leadership; common issues decided by a Grand Council of chiefs.

Clan System

• Established by The Peacemaker to unify the nations.
• Matrilineal society: lineage traced through mothers.
• Husbands moved into wives' longhouses, children joined mother's clan.
• Clan members were considered family and supported each other.

Role of Clan Mothers

• Oldest and respected women; position was hereditary.
• Responsible for clan welfare and advising chiefs.
• Could replace a chief not serving the people well.

Councils

• Women's Council and Men's Council in each clan advised clan mothers.
• Clan mothers advised the chiefs, rarely spoke at Grand Council.

Symbolism of the Longhouse

• Used by Peacemaker and Hiawatha as a symbol of unity.
• The Mohawk (Eastern Doorkeepers), Seneca (Western Doorkeepers), and Onondaga (Central Firekeepers) held significant roles.

Grand Council

• Addressed issues like peace treaties, trade agreements, and warfare.
• Comprised of 50 chiefs from all nations.
• Mohawk and Seneca were Elder Brothers; Oneida and Cayuga were Younger Brothers; Onondaga were Firekeepers.
• Decisions required unanimous consensus; process restarted if disagreement occurred.

Expansion

• Tuscarora joined in 1722 but without council representation.
• Shared language and culture with the other nations.

Conclusion

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