The Five Nation Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee Confederacy or the Iroquois Confederacy, is one of the oldest participatory democracies in the world. It was established by [[Indigenous]] nations in what is now the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The confederacy initially consisted of five nations: 1. Mohawk (Kanienʼkehá꞉ka) – “People of the Flint” 2. Oneida (Onyotaʼa꞉ka) – “People of the Standing Stone” 3. Onondaga (Onöñda’gega’) – “People of the Hills” 4. Cayuga (Guyohkohnyo) – “People of the Great Swamp” 5. Seneca (Onödowáʼga꞉) – “People of the Great Hill” These nations later became the Six Nations Confederacy when the Tuscarora joined in the early 18th century. Formation and Governance The confederacy was founded under the Great Law of Peace (Kaianere’kó:wa), a constitution that established a system of governance based on consensus, equality, and balance among the member nations. According to Haudenosaunee tradition, the confederacy was formed by the Peacemaker and supported by leaders such as Hiawatha to end intertribal conflict and create unity. The Grand Council was the governing body of the confederacy, composed of 50 sachems (leaders) who represented the clans of the member nations. Decisions were made collectively, with the Onondaga serving as the central firekeepers and mediators. Influence and Legacy The Haudenosaunee Confederacy played a significant role in regional diplomacy and trade in precolonial and colonial North America. Its structure and [[Philosophy]] of governance are often credited as a partial inspiration for elements of the United States Constitution, though this influence is debated. Today, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy continues to operate as a sovereign entity, advocating for Indigenous rights and preserving their cultural heritage. `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:`