An official website of the Akwesasne government

The Founding of the Iroquois Confederacy

Discover the origins of the Great Law of Peace and how it united the Six Nations into a powerful alliance. The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee or Six Nations, was founded long before European contact, traditionally dated around the 12th to 15th centuries. The Confederacy was established through the Great Law of Peace, […]

The Role of Women in Iroquois Society

Learn about the matrilineal structure and the influential roles women play in governance and daily life. Women in Iroquois society held significant power and influence, a reflection of the matrilineal structure of their clans. This matrilineal system meant that lineage and inheritance were passed down through the mother’s line, which was relatively unique among Native […]

The Peacemaker’s Journey

Follow the legendary story of the Peacemaker who brought the message of unity and peace to the Iroquois nations. The Peacemaker, known as Deganawida, is a central figure in Iroquois history. His journey to unite the warring Iroquois nations under the Great Law of Peace is a legendary tale of vision, perseverance, and diplomacy. The […]