Iroquois Confederacy Review Flashcards
How could women have their voice heard?
Through Women’s Council and Clan Mothers.
Who were Clan Mothers?
Usually the oldest and most respected women in their clan.
How can you describe a Clan Mother’s title’s way of being passed to another person?
It was HEREDITARY. Meaning that it was passed down to the women relative that was thought best suited for the position.
What were Clan Mothers responsible for?
Their clan’s welfare and for maintaining harmony and balance within the clans and nations. They also chose the Hoyaneh and would advise the Hoyaneh of the people’s position on issues.
How could men have their voices heard?
As Hoyaneh and through Men’s Council
Who were Hoyaneh?
The male leaders of each nation of the Iroquois Confederacy. The word “Hoyaneh” means “Caretakers of the peace. Today, they are called chiefs. Each nation had several Hoyaneh. They represented their nation at the Grand Council meetings.
What did Women’s Council, Men’s Council, Hoyaneh, and the Grand Council use to make decisions?
CONSENSUS
Who were the elder brothers?
The Mohawk and the Seneca.
Who were the younger brothers?
The Oneida and the Cayuga.
Who were the Keepers of the Council Fire?
The Onondaga.
What were the steps of making decisions in the Grand Council?
- The Seneca and Mohawk (ELDER BROTHERS) debate and discuss the issue until a decision is made using consensus.
- Once the Seneca and Mohawk have come to an agreement, the Cayuga and Oneida (YOUNGER BROTHERS) are required to debate and discuss with the Seneca and Mohawk, using consensus, until a decision consented by all the Seneca, Mohawk, Cayuga, and Oneida is made.
- The Onondaga (KEEPERS OF THE COUNCIL OF FIRE) are to then pass the decision or reject it. If the Onondaga reject, then the process goes back to step 1.
- Lastly, if all nations Seneca, Mohawk, Cayuga, Oneida, and Onondaga agree then the decision is firm and is announced to the people. If the Onondaga disagree the issue goes back to step 1 and the process starts again until everyone agrees.
What was the Grand Council?
The Grand Council discussed issues that affected the whole Iroquois Confederacy. It:
-Was made up of 50 Hoyaneh from all the nations
-Everyone had to agree to the decision for it to be announced (had to be unanimous)
The same method of decision making is used in traditional and cultural matters.
How many nations are there? What are their names?
There are 6 nations: the Seneca, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, Mohawk, and Tuscarora.
Who was the one to decide how many nations each nation gets?
The Peace Maker.
What are the Great Law of Peace’s main 3 values?
A. Friendship, Peace, Mutual Respect
B. Mutual Respect, Going in War together, Making Sure the Hoyaneh does their job
C. Fair arguments, War Rules, what weapons you can use in war
A: FRIENDSHIP, PEACE, MUTUAL RESPECT
