From Conflict to Confederacy
Haudenosaunee oral tradition explains that the Peacemaker brought a message of unity to nations that had experienced conflict. With Hiawatha and the influential clan mother Jigonsaseh, he helped establish the Great Law of Peace. The law united the original five nations in the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Each nation kept control over many of its own affairs. For shared concerns, representatives met in a Grand Council. The council used careful discussion and consensus, meaning decisions required broad agreement rather than a simple majority vote.
Government and Memory
Fifty sachems, or chiefs, represented the clans and nations in the council. Clan mothers selected and advised these leaders. The Onondaga served as Keepers of the Central Fire and hosted council meetings.
Wampum belts helped preserve laws, agreements, and important events. The Hiawatha Belt represents the unity of the original five nations. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy continues today. Its government is not only a topic from the distant past; it is part of the living sovereignty of Haudenosaunee nations.
Symbols of Peace and Unity
In Haudenosaunee teachings, the Tree of Peace symbolizes the Great Law. Its roots extend in four directions, welcoming those who wish to follow peace. An eagle watches from above, and weapons are buried beneath the tree to represent an end to conflict.
The Hiawatha Belt uses white wampum symbols joined by a line. The central tree represents the Onondaga, while four squares represent the Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca. Wampum is not simply money or decoration; particular belts carry public memory and support the telling of agreements and laws.
Check Your Understanding
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How did the Haudenosaunee Confederacy balance unity and independence?
Why were clan mothers and wampum important to government?