We the people of the Iroquois Nation – the Haundenosaunee | Whole Life Times

“I am Deganawida. With the Statesmen of the League of Five Nations, I plant the tree of Great Peace.”

It is possible that Deganawida, known as the “Peacemaker” opened the gathering on the Solar Eclipse in the early 1700s under the Great Eastern White Pine Tree known as the “Tree of Peace” with these words. It is widely believed by historical scholars that on this day the Mohawk, the Seneca, the Oneida, the Cayuga, and the Onondaga nations gathered together to create the Iroquois Nation Confederacy. After many years of conflict, these five nations created a governance based on the consent of the governed. It was matrilineal, matrilocal in nature and filled with life promoting intelligence dedicated to ALL life’s liberty and happiness. It is believed that this governance has been in existence for centuries. Scholars put the date as early as 1250. It should be noted that the Tuscarora Nation joined circa. 1722.

When I started researching the Iroquois Nation Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee (People of the Long House) I was astounded and moved by the intricacy of the 117 articles that comprise it. The balance of power and authority with justice and in accordance with “The Great Law” as well as dedication to egalitarianism with checks and balances I found stunningly sophisticated. Even more so when I read how the incorporation of ceremony, protocol, decorum, sacred ritual, dignity, and the confirmation of mutual agreement on all matters exists throughout. To read such articles where supreme honor is held for all life present and unborn, where ways that are good must be preserved, where listening and speaking only “from truth” and wisdom are what “shall be” was like a dream come true. If it couldn’t get any better, I read about the position of the women. The Clan Mothers are positioned as the “moral compass” strongly influencing peaceful conflict resolution, the selection and the removal of chiefs, and being the caretakers-owners of the land and soil. Along with more influence of the women what I found most beautiful was the weaving so intricately and carefully throughout, the qualities of truth, justice, gratitude, honor of brother and sisterhood, and love.

Here are a few articles that illustrate honor, responsibility, and respect so beautifully. Notice the stern discipline when people are out of integrity.

#24 The Lords of the Confederacy of the Five Nations. Their hearts shall be full of peace and goodwill and their minds filled with a yearning for the welfare of the people of the Confederacy. Carrying out their duty and their fairness shall be tempered with a tenderness for their people.

#25 If a Lord of the Confederacy should seek to establish any authority independent of the jurisdiction of the Confederacy of the Great Peace he shall be warned three times. First by the women relatives, second by the men relatives, and finally by the Lords of the Confederacy to which he belongs. If the offending Lord is still obdurate he shall be dismissed by the War Chief of his Nation.

#27 All Lords of the Five Nations Confederacy must be honest in all things. They must not idle or gossip, but be men possessing those honorable qualities that make true Rayaneh (Noble). It shall be a serious wrong for anyone to lead a Lord into trivial affairs for the people must ever hold their Lords high in estimation out of respect to their honorable positions.

The following articles are examples of the Rayaneh and great influence in the government the women hold. The Women Elders have the right to sit in all Councils, the power to veto a declaration of war, and to demand a cessation of hostilities.

#44 Women shall be the progenitors of the Nation. They shall own the land and the soil. Men and women shall follow the status of the Mother.

#45 The women heirs of the Confederated Lordship titles shall be called Rayaneh for all time to come.

#53. When the Rayaneh women holders of a Lordship title select one of their sons as a candidate, they shall select one who is trustworthy, of good character, of honest disposition, one who manages his own affairs, supports his own family, if any and who has proven a faithful man to his Nation.

Let us now turn to the United States Declaration of Independence adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, completely ratified in 1789. The Founding Fathers were highly influenced by the Five Nations Confederacy adopting much of the governance model. The successful Haundenosaunee way was widely known. Philosophers, delegates, and politicians all had attended councils or invited Chiefs to attend “White Men Meetings” to share their wisdom. The European philosopher John Locke wrote about the Iroquois Nation citing their “perfect freedom” and wisdom of the power being derived from the people — not the Monarch. Benjamin Franklin studied their ways, was invited to “Sit in Council,” and wrote many articles expressing great admiration. He referred to the Iroquois Nation as a wise union indissoluble and subsisting for ages. He cited “no force, no prisons, no officers to compel obedience, or inflict punishment. There is a sense of courtesy in Council meetings, not the raucous nature of the British House of Commons.” The Founding Fathers considered the Greco-Roman government and aspects of the Middle East, as well as The Bible. They ultimately were most inspired by their “Indian Friends” and adopted many of the elements of the Iroquois Nation for their brand-new government including the bald eagle which the Indigenous had held sacred for centuries.

Notable differences are:

The Iroquois Nation Confederacy:

Has 117 Articles allowing for intricate protocol on all matters. The series of alliances and treaties between Five Nations (later six).
Matrilineal societies
Clan Mothers choose leaders
Concept of communal landholding and liberties of non-conquering territory

The US Constitution:

Has seven Articles explaining how the Federal government interacts with the citizens, states, and people of the country; 27 amendments were added as modifications. The first ten are known collectively as “The Bill of Rights” added Dec. 15, 1791.
Patriarchal societies, Centralized authority
Men are elected
Individual private property leading to imperial expansion (Ironically the Constitution followed the British centralization that the Colonists rebelled against.)

Studying the Haudenosaunee I’m reminded that we have before us the opportunity to insist that our leaders are the most enlightened among us. We do have in our hearts the ability to choose leaders with the highest moral action, care, and thoughtfulness in their collaborative actions. We as a community know what’s best for us. We have the power. We can expect our politicians to “Return to the Great Law which is just and right. Look and listen for the welfare of the whole people and have always in view not only the present but also the coming generations, even those whose faces are yet beneath the surface of the ground — the unborn of the future nation” #28.

We can create an inspirational movement if we can dream and truly believe in a better way. Let’s remember that the soul of America is ultimately one of kindness and caring. As Abraham Lincoln reminds us, let’s reveal “the better angels of our nature.”

INSPIRATION FOR ACTIVATING OUR SACRED STEWARDSHIP TO PEACE

BOOKS FOR MYTH BUSTING AND DEEP THOUGHTFULNESS

Exemplar of Liberty, Native American and the Evolution of Democracy by Donald A. Grinde Jr. and Bruce E. Johansen

Then Constitution of the Iroquois Nations by Anonymous

Written Out of History: The Forgotten Founders Who Fought Big Government by Senator Mike Lee

In Our Defense — The Bill of Rights in Action by Caroline Kennedy and Ellen Alderman

Healing the Soul of America: Reclaiming our Voices as Spiritual Citizens by Marianne Williamson

The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels by John Meacham

Enlightened Negotiations: 8 Universal Laws to Connect, Create and Prosper by Dr. Mehrad Nazari

VIDEOS AND FILMS OF MORAL ACTION

The Power of the Heart. A Story of Connection, Forgiveness and Love. Director Drew Heriot (Baptiste De Pape is Producer and writer of the book of the same name)

Amazing Grace. True Story of Ending the British Slave Trade. Director Michael Apted

The Pursuit of Happyness. True Story of Chris Gardner’s struggle from homeless to Entrepreneur. Director Gabriele Muccino (Novel by Chris Gardner and Quincy Troupe)

Pay It Forward. A 12-year-old setting in motion a wave of human kindness. Director Mimi Leder ( Novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde)

The Short Answer — Purpose of Political Turmoil. Dr. Sue Morter video April 17, 2018

SONGS TO SING FOR OUR SOUL, HEART AND JOURNEY TO LASTING PEACE

“Dancing in the Streets” (performed by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and written by Marvin Gaye, William “Mickey” Stevenson, Ivy Jo Hunter) Civil Rights Anthem

“Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream,” “The Peace Poem,” “The Eagle and the Hawk,” “Perhaps Love” (all performed and written by John Denver)

“Shed a Little Light” (performed and written by James Taylor)

“Man in the Mirror” (performed by Michael Jackson written for him by Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard)

“Peace Train” (performed and written by Cat Stevens)

“Holy Moses” (performed by Aretha Franklin and written by Bernie Taupin)

Various songs by Rickie Byars Beckwith

Sunny Chayes is the host of The Sunny Chayes Show airing on ubnradio.com Channel 1 Weds at 2 pm Pacific. Watch her full interviews filmed at Sunset Gower Studios Hollywood. Enjoy on iHeart, iTunes, and YouTube.