Hodinöhsöno

Hodinöhsöno, also known as the Haudenosaunee or Iroquois Confederacy, is a confederation of six Indigenous nations. The member nations are the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. Historically, these nations inhabited the Northeastern Woodlands of North America. The confederacy was founded on principles of peace, unity, and collective decision-making, famously outlined in the Great Law of Peace.

The traditional territory of the Hodinöhsöno encompasses what is now upstate New York and parts of Canada. Their societies were traditionally matriarchal, with women holding significant political and social influence. They are known for their complex governance system, advanced agricultural practices, and distinct cultural traditions, including the creation of wampum belts, which served as historical records and symbols of agreements.

The formation of the Hodinöhsöno confederacy is attributed to the Peacemaker, a legendary figure who worked to end inter-tribal warfare. The Great Law of Peace established a council of chiefs, with each nation having representation. This sophisticated political structure has been recognized as an influence on later democratic systems. Today, the Hodinöhsöno people continue to maintain their cultural heritage and assert their sovereignty.