Iroquois Confederacy
Seneca ,Mohawk , Cayuga ,Oneida ,
Onondaga.
(click spacebar to go to next slide)
By: Reesespeanutbuttercup
Roles of Women
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The roles of women are very
inportant.
For example the Clan Mothers were
very respected, because they chose
the Hoyaneh and sat behind they in
council.
The Other role that all women have
is women’s council. Who advised the
Clan mothers (as well as Men’s
Council)of what the Hoyaneh were
doing.
Definitions
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Clans : a clan was an idea by the
peace maker he found out how
everyone was related though the
mother’s side the clan were named
after animals. Ex. Wolf clan Bear
clan
Peace Maker: made peace with the 5
Nations. Buried all the weapons
under the biggest tree (tree of peace)
eagle on top of the tree to watch over
the 5 nations. Also the roots reached
all the nations to connect them
together in peace.
Structure of Iroquois Confederacy
1.Older Brothers
Seneca
&
Mohawk
Reach consensus.
2.Younger Brothers
Cayuga
&
Oneida
Reach consensus
Until
consensus
is reached
If Onondaga do not confirm the decision
3. The Keepers of Fire
Onondaga
Give a
judgment
If all nations agree
Structure of Iroquois Confederacy
Women’s and men’s council
advise clan mothers
The clan Mothers choose
and advise Hoyaneh
(chief) Clan Mothers are
usually the oldest (wisest)
in the clan
Hoyaneh represent their
clan (more than one
Hoyaneh for each clan)
Structure of Iroquois Confederacy
Mohawk Council
3 Hoyaneh
3 Hoyaneh
3 Clan Mothers
3 Clan Mothers
3 Hoyaneh
Women’s council Men’s council
Wolf Clan
3 Clan Mothers
Women’s Council Men’s council
Bear Clan
Women’s Council Men’s Council
Turtle Clan
Structure of Iroquois Confederacy
Mohawk
9 Hoyaneh
Seneca
8 Hoyaneh
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Onondaga
14 Hoyaneh
Grand Council
50 Hoyaneh
Cayuga
10 Hoyaneh
Oneida
9 Hoyaneh
Number of Hoyaneh doesn’t matter because they all come to
consensus. ( Consensus: where everyone's opinion is heard.
They don't go forward till everyone has agreed.) The Iroquois
confederacy believed that everyone should get a say and not be
left out that’s why they used consensus.
Wampum Belts
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Wampum’s are usually a belt or string made of beads
Wampum’s record important historical events, like treaties with Europeans
or the Iroquois Confederacy. (Picture underneath)
Wampum belts were used at ceremonies and in council.
They used symbols to transfer a message. It was almost like a contract with
pictures.
Why is this important the
government to day?
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Because the idea of consensus is used in
government today in a moderate version.
Also the Hoyaneh is represent their clan but
now MLA’s represent their constituent.
Quiz Time!
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Were you paying attention because here we go.
Is the Hoyaneh chosen by the people?
False: He is chosen by the Clan Mother
Older Brothers reach consensus first.
True
How many Hoyaneh are in the Grand Council?
50
Who created the Iroquois Confederacy?
The peace maker
Does Wampum mean Belt?
False: it is usually a belt because it was easy to carry around,
References
www.ganondagan.org/wampum.html
 Taking Part in our Democracy
Maria Tyerman (2008) Nelson Ltd. Tronto,Ontario
 http://www.sixnationsindianmuseum.com/art.html
 http://grimshaw4thgrade.pbworks.com/w/page/38567
927/Research%20Topic%20Suggestions
 http://questgarden.com/53/52/5/070718094708/index.
htm
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