Creation Confederation: The Living History of the Iroquois

The Creation Confederation, also known as the Iroquois League, was a powerful political and social alliance of five (later six) Native American nations that existed in the northeastern United States and Canada from the mid-15th century to the late 18th century. The league was based on the principles of peace, unity, and equality, and it played a significant role in shaping the history of the region.

Creation & Confederation: The Living History of the Iroquois

by Hawthorne Classics

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1268 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	136 pages

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Origins of the Creation Confederation

The Creation Confederation was founded by the Iroquois prophet Deganawidah and the Mohawk chief Hiawatha. According to Iroquois tradition, Deganawidah had a vision in which he saw a great tree of peace that reached from the sky to the earth. The tree was supported by five roots, representing the five Iroquois nations: the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca. Deganawidah taught the Iroquois that they must live in peace and harmony with each other and with the natural world. He also taught them the principles of the Great Law of Peace, which would govern the league.

The Great Law of Peace

The Great Law of Peace was a constitution that established the structure and rules of the Creation Confederation. The law was divided into three parts: the Covenant Chain, the Articles of Confederation, and the Rules of Procedure. The Covenant Chain was a pledge of peace and friendship between the five Iroquois nations. The Articles of Confederation established the league's government, which was based on a system of checks and balances. The Rules of Procedure outlined the league's procedures for making decisions and resolving disputes.

The Iroquois Confederacy in Action

The Creation Confederation was a powerful force in the northeastern United States and Canada for over 200 years. The league's army was one of the most feared in the region, and its diplomacy was often successful in preventing war. The league also played a significant role in the fur trade, and its members were known for their skill as hunters and trappers.

The league's greatest accomplishment was the creation of the Iroquois Confederacy, which was a model of peace and unity for other Native American nations. The confederacy was based on the principles of the Great Law of Peace, and it provided a framework for cooperation and mutual support among the five Iroquois nations.

The Legacy of the Creation Confederation

The Creation Confederation was dissolved in the late 18th century, but its legacy continues to live on. The principles of peace, unity, and equality that were enshrined in the Great Law of Peace continue to inspire Native American and non-Native American people alike. The Iroquois Confederacy is a reminder of the power of cooperation and the importance of living in harmony with each other and with the natural world.

The Creation Confederation was a unique and important experiment in Native American self-government. The league's principles of peace, unity, and equality were a powerful force for good in the northeastern United States and Canada, and they continue to inspire people around the world today.

Creation & Confederation: The Living History of the Iroquois

by Hawthorne Classics

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1268 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	136 pages

FREE