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, a constitution created to unite the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca nations (later joined by the Tuscarora in the 18th century).
The Great Law of Peace
The Great Law of Peace is a sophisticated and comprehensive oral constitution that outlines the principles of governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. It was brought to the Iroquois nations by the Peacemaker (Deganawida) and his spokesman Hiawatha. The primary goals were to end intertribal warfare and to create a system of collective decision-making that valued peace, equity, and the well-being of the community.
Governance Structure
The Iroquois Confederacy is notable for its democratic principles, which influenced the formation of democratic governments worldwide, including the United States. The Grand Council of the Iroquois is composed of 50 sachems (chiefs) representing the different clans within the nations. Decisions are made through consensus, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected.
The founding of the Confederacy not only brought peace and unity among the Iroquois but also laid the groundwork for a powerful political and military alliance that would play a significant role in the history of North America.
