The Iroquois Confederacy: Powerful Alliance of the Northeast

Haudenosaunee—The Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy

The Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee, "People of the Longhouse") was a sophisticated political and military alliance of five (later six) Native American nations in the northeastern woodlands.

Member Nations

1. Mohawk (Kanien'kehá:ka) – "Keepers of the Eastern Door"
2. Oneida (Onʌyoteʔa·ká) – "People of the Standing Stone"
3. Onondaga (Onoñda'gega') – "Keepers of the Central Fire" (capital)
4. Cayuga (Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ') – "People of the Great Swamp"
5. Seneca (Onöndowá'ga) – "Keepers of the Western Door"
6. Tuscarora (Skarù:rę') – joined c. 1722, "Shirt-Wearing People"

Governance & Society

• Grand Council of 50 sachems (chiefs), consensus-based decisions.
• Matrilineal clans; women nominated/removed chiefs.
• Great Law of Peace (Gayanashagowa) — constitution predating US Constitution.

Historical Role

Dominated fur trade, influenced colonial wars (Beaver Wars, French & Indian War, American Revolution). Their diplomatic model inspired early American federal ideas.

Decline

Post-Revolution land loss, Sullivan Expedition (1779), treaties (Fort Stanwix 1784) fragmented the Confederacy. Cultural continuity persists today.