Lecture Notes: The Great Law and Teachings of the Peacemaker

Speaker

• Rick Hill, Senior Project Coordinator at Deo Haag, Indigenous Knowledge Center, Six Nations Polytechnic

Overview

• Journey back in time to explore the formation of the Great Law
• Lessons from The Peacemaker
• Codification of teachings in wampum belts

Key Topics

The Peacemaker and His Depictions

• Historical and modern depictions of The Peacemaker and his helper, Hiawatha
• Confrontation with Tadodaho, a man with snakes in his hair, as a part of spreading the message of peace

Wampum Belts

• Made from clamshells, important to Haudenosaunee and other native nations
• Used to commemorate history and convey messages
• Significant belts include the Circle Wampum and the Tree of Peace Wampum

The Creation of the Confederacy

• Confederacy formed through the message of peace
• Depictions of The Peacemaker and Hiawatha spreading teachings
• Importance of tending to the Tree of Peace, a symbol of unity and strength

The Condolence Ceremony

• Used to replace a deceased chief and console mourners
• Involves restoring the mind and spirit through symbolic acts (e.g., wiping tears)

Structure of Governance

• 50 chiefs from various nations within the Confederacy
• Chiefs and Clan Mothers work together, balancing male and female roles

Clan Mothers and Their Role

• Responsible for nominating and supervising chiefs
• Provide metaphorical and physical nourishment during councils

Peace and Unity

• Chiefs encouraged to use a good mind, fair decisions for future generations
• Bundles of arrows as a metaphor for unity

Historical Context and Struggles

• Challenges during wars, e.g., American Revolution
• Recovery of wampum belts from museums after confiscation

Modern Efforts

• Recent recitations of the Great Law
• Recovery and study of wampum belts to ensure continuity of teachings

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding and maintaining the Great Law of Peace
• Future lecture on the Two Row Wampum and its significance today