As a minority-owned Native American business, we are proud of our rich cultural heritage and the history of our ancestors. The Iroquois Nation, also known as the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, has a fascinating and complex story, which we are eager to share with you.
Understanding our roots is essential to appreciate the values and traditions that have shaped our community and the way we conduct business.
About Us
The Iroquois Nation, or Haudenosaunee, meaning “People of the Longhouse,” is a confederacy of six Native American tribes: the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. The confederacy has its origins in present-day New York State and the surrounding areas in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy is one of the oldest, still-functioning participatory democracies in the world, with a history that dates back over a thousand years.
Deganawida and Hiawatha
The formation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy is attributed to a peacemaker named Deganawida, also known as the Great Peacemaker, and his spokesperson, Hiawatha. Before the confederacy’s establishment, the five original tribes (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca) were engaged in a continuous cycle of warfare and blood feuds. Deganawida, a Huron prophet, had a vision of peace and unity among the warring tribes. Along with Hiawatha, a skilled orator from the Onondaga tribe, they traveled from village to village, spreading their message of peace and unity.
Through their tireless efforts, the five tribes eventually came together, burying their weapons beneath the “Tree of Peace,” a symbolic white pine. This momentous event marked the birth of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, built on the principles of peace, unity, and collective strength. The Tuscarora tribe joined the confederacy later in the early 18th century, bringing the total number of member tribes to six.
The Original Democracy
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s governance structure is unique and has influenced modern democratic systems, including the United States Constitution. Each tribe within the confederacy maintains its sovereignty, with the Grand Council of Chiefs serving as the central governing body. The Grand Council consists of 50 chiefs, known as sachems, representing the six nations. Decision-making is based on consensus, and the principles of equality and mutual respect are deeply ingrained in the confederacy’s values.
Interconnected in Nature
The Haudenosaunee people have a deep connection with nature, believing that all living beings are interconnected. They practiced sustainable agriculture, growing crops such as corn, beans, and squash – the “Three Sisters” – which were essential to their diet and way of life.
The Iroquois believed that the earth was a gift from the Creator, and they had a responsibility to care for it and preserve it for future generations. This respect for the environment remains a core value of the Haudenosaunee people today.
Past and Future
Over the centuries, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with European colonizers and the United States government. Treaties were signed and broken, and the Haudenosaunee people’s land and resources were often taken without consent. Despite these hardships, the Iroquois Nation has persevered, maintaining its cultural identity and traditions.
Today, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy continues to be a symbol of unity, cooperation, and democracy. The modern Iroquois people are active participants in preserving their culture, language, and traditions while adapting to contemporary society. They are involved in various social, political, and environmental causes, advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples and the protection of the environment.
Preserving our Culture and Traditions
The Iroquois Nation and Haudenosaunee Confederacy have a proud and enduring legacy. The confederacy’s principles of peace, unity, and democracy have not only shaped the lives of its people but also influenced the development of modern democratic systems. The Haudenosaunee people continue to preserve their culture and traditions while adapting to contemporary society, embodying resilience and strength.
As a Native American-owned business, we are proud to draw inspiration from the history and values of the Iroquois Nation and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. We recognize the importance of sharing our story with our customers, as it allows us to create a deeper connection with the people we serve.
By understanding our heritage, we hope to inspire appreciation and respect for the rich cultural tapestry that is the foundation of our community and our business. We are honored to be part of this rich history and are committed to upholding the values and spirit of our ancestors in everything we do.
