Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy History

The Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, is a powerful and historic indigenous confederacy that played a significant role in the history of North America. The confederacy was formed in the 16th century and consisted of six nations: the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. Each nation had its own distinct culture, language, and traditions, but they were united under a common system of government and shared values.

The origins of the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy date back to the 16th century, when the nations were plagued by warfare and blood feuds. According to legend, a great peacemaker named Deganawidah, along with his assistant Hiawatha, traveled among the nations, preaching a message of peace and unity. They proposed a system of government based on democratic principles, where each nation would have a voice and decisions would be made through a consensus-based process.

The confederacy was formally established around 1570, with the creation of the Great Law of Peace. This law established the framework for the confederacy’s government, including the roles and responsibilities of the various nations and the process for making decisions. The Great Law of Peace also emphasized the importance of respect, tolerance, and cooperation among the nations.

One of the key features of the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy was its system of government, which was based on a federal model. Each nation had its own council, made up of clan leaders and spiritual leaders, which would meet to discuss and decide on matters of importance. The councils would then send representatives to a larger, confederacy-wide council, where decisions would be made on a consensus basis.

The Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy played a significant role in the history of North America, particularly during the colonial era. The confederacy was a major power in the region, and its members were skilled diplomats and traders. They established relationships with European colonizers, including the Dutch and British, and played a crucial role in the fur trade.

However, the confederacy also faced significant challenges, including the impact of disease, warfare, and colonization. Many members of the confederacy died from diseases brought over by European colonizers, to which they had no immunity. The confederacy was also affected by the French and Indian War, during which many of its members were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in other areas.

Despite these challenges, the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy continued to thrive and play an important role in North American history. In the 18th century, the confederacy was a key player in the American Revolution, with many of its members supporting the British in the hopes of preventing American expansion. However, the confederacy’s relationship with the United States was complex, and many of its members also supported the American cause.

In the 19th century, the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy faced significant challenges, including the loss of land and the forced assimilation of its members. Many members of the confederacy were forced to relocate to reservations, where they were subjected to poverty, violence, and cultural suppression. However, the confederacy continued to maintain its cultural identity and traditions, and its members played an important role in the development of indigenous rights and self-government.

Today, the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy continues to exist and thrive, with many of its members living on reservations in the United States and Canada. The confederacy has its own government, laws, and institutions, and its members are working to revitalize their language, culture, and traditions. The confederacy has also played an important role in international indigenous affairs, and its members have been recognized for their contributions to human rights, environmental protection, and cultural preservation.

Historical Evolution of the Confederacy

The Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy has undergone significant changes and challenges throughout its history. From its origins in the 16th century to the present day, the confederacy has adapted to changing circumstances and continued to thrive.

• Pre-Contact (Before 1500s): The nations that would eventually form the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy lived in the region around the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. They had their own distinct cultures, languages, and traditions, and were organized into clans and villages.
• Contact and Colonization (1500s-1700s): The arrival of European colonizers brought significant changes to the region, including the introduction of new diseases, technologies, and forms of government. The confederacy was formed in response to these changes, and its members worked to establish relationships with the colonizers and maintain their independence.
• American Revolution and Westward Expansion (1700s-1800s): The confederacy played a significant role in the American Revolution, with many of its members supporting the British. However, the confederacy’s relationship with the United States was complex, and many of its members also supported the American cause. As the United States expanded westward, the confederacy faced significant challenges, including the loss of land and the forced relocation of its members.
• Reservations and Assimilation (1800s-1900s): The confederacy’s members were forcibly relocated to reservations, where they were subjected to poverty, violence, and cultural suppression. The United States government also implemented policies aimed at assimilating indigenous peoples into white culture, including the forced attendance of indigenous children at boarding schools.
• Self-Government and Revitalization (1900s-Present): In the 20th century, the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy began to reassert its independence and work towards self-government. The confederacy has established its own government, laws, and institutions, and its members are working to revitalize their language, culture, and traditions.

Decision Framework for Understanding the Confederacy

To understand the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy, it is helpful to consider the following factors:

1. Historical Context: The confederacy’s history and development must be understood within the context of colonialism, imperialism, and indigenous-settler relations.
2. Cultural Identity: The confederacy’s members have a distinct cultural identity that is rooted in their language, traditions, and spiritual practices.
3. Self-Government: The confederacy has its own system of government, which is based on democratic principles and consensus-based decision-making.
4. International Relations: The confederacy has played an important role in international indigenous affairs, and its members have been recognized for their contributions to human rights, environmental protection, and cultural preservation.

By considering these factors, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy and its significance in North American history.

Myth vs. Reality: Common Misconceptions About the Confederacy

There are several common misconceptions about the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy, including:

• Myth: The confederacy was a primitive or unsophisticated form of government.
• Reality: The confederacy’s system of government was highly sophisticated and influenced the development of democratic systems around the world.
• Myth: The confederacy was a static or unchanging entity.
• Reality: The confederacy has evolved over time, adapting to changing circumstances and challenges.
• Myth: The confederacy is no longer relevant or significant in modern times.
• Reality: The confederacy continues to thrive and play an important role in international indigenous affairs, and its members are working to revitalize their language, culture, and traditions.

Conclusion

The Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy is a powerful and historic indigenous confederacy that has played a significant role in the history of North America. Its system of government, based on democratic principles and consensus-based decision-making, has been recognized as a model for indigenous self-government and has influenced the development of democratic systems around the world. Despite facing significant challenges, the confederacy continues to thrive and play an important role in international indigenous affairs.