The Iroquois Confederacy, which dates back centuries before European colonization, directly influenced the framing of the U.S. Constitution. Founding Fathers, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams studied the Iroquois system. They found inspiration in its principles of federalism, consensus decision-making, as well as checks and balances. The idea of a central authority working in tandem with regional sovereignty, as seen in the U.S. Constitution, mirrors the relationship between the Iroquois Grand Council and the individual member nations. What the Founding Fathers adopted from the Iroquois is just as intriguing as what they chose NOT to include.
What is the Iroquois Confederacy?
The Iroquois, known as Haudenosaunnee, Confederacy is based on The Great Law of Peace. These teachings go back many generations before the arrival of Europeans and they are often attributed to Hiawatha. However, oral histories say that Hiawatha learned these principles from someone referred to as The Peacemaker.
This mysterious and revered figure is said to have conceived the teachings of unity, peace, and democratic governance in a sacred vision. The Peacemaker united the five nations of the Iroquois Confederacy: the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca. The Tuscarora joined later and today they are called Six Nations. They live today in the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
The Iroquoian system, expressed through its constitution, “The Great Law of Peace,” rested on assumptions foreign to the monarchies of Europe: it regarded leaders as servants of the people, rather than their masters, and made provisions for the leaders’ impeachment for errant behavior. The Iroquois’ law and custom upheld freedom of expression in political and religious matters, and it forbade the unauthorized entry of homes. It provided for political participation by women and the relatively equitable distribution of wealth.” – Bruce Johansen, Forgotten Founders
An Honoring of the Feminine
The US Constitution did not originally adopt the Iroquois emphasis on the equal role of women in leadership. All human life comes from women. Thus The Great Law of Peace placed emphasis on the women in the community who nominated the male leaders. If a chief used his status to amass wealth or abuse power he would be impeached by a council of grandmothers.
Article 24 of The Great Law of Peace stated: The chiefs of the League of Five Nations shall be mentors of the people for all time. …they shall be proof against anger, offensive action, and criticism. Their hearts shall be full of peace and good will, and their minds filled with a yearning for the welfare of the people of the League. With endless patience, they shall carry out their duty. Their firmness shall be tempered with a tenderness for their people. Neither anger nor fury shall find lodging in their minds and all their words and actions shall be marked by calm deliberation.” – Akwesasne Notes, 1977
Shared Values and Broken Promises
Ben Franklin was the child of strict Puritan parents. Though he was not Christian he believed that morality was the essence of true religion. Thomas Jefferson was a leading voice in the separation of church and state. Though he believed in the core ethical teachings of Jesus he was not a religious Christian. John Adams was a Christian but his religious views became more liberal over time. Eventually Adams and Jefferson embraced Unitarianism. It is easy to see why these framers of the US Constitution had a deep respect for The Great Law of Peace.
Columbus’ arrived in 1492. The Doctrine of Discovery was issued by Pope Alexander VI on May 4, 1493 in the Papal Bulls. This gave explorers the “right” to claim lands not inhabited by Christians for exploitation and “discovery.” This gave colonialists permission to convert, enslave or kill “Pagans”. Meanwhile the land and spoils would belong to Catholic Monarchs in Europe. Many people today claim that America was founded on Christian Values. The Great Law of Peace was more aligned with Christian Values than the conditions of “discovery” in the Papal Bulls.
Ancient Roots in Modern Times
Principles within The Great Law of Peace were incorporated into The US Constitution more than 200 years after Columbus arrived. Then 150 years after that these ideas were placed in United Nations Charter. The arc of history is long but these ideas will not be forgotten.
In the spring of 2023 the Vatican released a statement saying that the papal bulls, or decrees, “did not adequately reflect the equal dignity and rights of Indigenous peoples”. The statement came from the Vatican’s development and education offices. This marks a historic recognition of the Vatican’s own complicity in colonial-era abuses. Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff, issued the statement.
We Stand at the Crossroads
America currently spends 10 times more on military and war than on healthcare, housing, and education. The US is also one of the worlds biggest manufacturers and exporters of weapons to countries around the world. Today corporate lobbyists influence foreign policy and they are hired by weapons manufacturers. War has become a dirty but profitable business. Many Americans have long felt that their country has lost its’ way. It is never too late to remember the noble promise of liberty and peace. What can we do to correct course and return to the roots?
What US Policy was created with the same respect, honor, and statesmanship encoded in The Great Law of Peace? Just as Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson valued moral conduct above religious dogma we can return to these values. Just as a council of grandmothers was empowered to remove corrupt leaders we must demand accountability from politicians.
In the Indian character resided a fierce individuality that rejected subjugation, together with a communalism that put the welfare of the whole family, tribe, or nation above that of individuals. America is the land of the individual and it should stay that way, but not at the expense of the whole family, tribe, nation, or planet. – Bruce Johansen, Forgotten Founders
A Vision for the Future
We are part of a global community. We see the effects of failed policies causing grave suffering for people everywhere. Our polluted air and water flow across nation borders unrestrained. Corrupt banking practices have shaken the foundation of the world’s economy and we see increasing polarization. Can we re-vision our planet with respect for the past while also incorporating these teachings and principles for our future?
In the Iroquois constitution, women (clan-mothers) from each tribe were the only ones who could vote… for the representative, who was always a man, a chief. There was a balance of power—only men could serve, only women could vote. -Amelia Winger-Bearskin
The true ideals of liberty also include a responsibility to the greater community (locally, nationally, and internationally). Social, environmental, and economic responsibility and compassion are expressions of ethical values regardless of any particular religion or nation-state.
This Indigenous Wisdom is still strong in the Americas. It is time to remember and practice it. This heals our past and future while planting seeds for healthy generations to come. Let the compost of history allow the Great Law of Peace to flourish. If you are interested in learning more of this important history please read Grace Li Xiu Woo.
There is a global movement of people dedicated to creating peace within and bringing it out into the world. Sometimes we are called to return to the roots and now is that time. We share diverse histories that flow like many streams into one ocean.
PHOTOS BY ALFONSO BOVINI
