Iroquois League

 Iroquois League
“The Iroquois were an
expansive military and
political force who acted as the
fulcrum in the balance of
power in colonial North
America.”
- Scott Stevens
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to WUMUNS 2015 and the Iroquois League committee! I am
Brendan Webb, a member of the class of 2018 here at Washington University in
St. Louis, and I am thrilled to be your director. We have an exciting set of topics
to cover as representatives of the Iroquois League against the backdrop of 17th
century America.
Our committee will simulate the Grand Council of the Iroquois League
beginning in the year 1620. Surrounded by enemy tribes and foreign powers, the
League will be tasked with protecting trade and territory in the northern
wilderness. Each committee member, possessing loyalties to individual tribes and
to the Iroquois League as a whole, must leverage cunning diplomacy and military
strategy to ensure the survival and success of this confederacy of Iroquois tribes.
The foundation of the Iroquois League is based on a peaceful pact of trust, and
delegates must be prepared at all times for unexpected crises, backchannel
politics, and the rogue actions of their neighbors.
Given the semi-limited amount of information on this topic, please feel
free to contact me by email with any questions or concerns as you begin to
prepare for the conference. With that I look forward to working with all of you in
the fall; I can’t wait to make this committee as fun for you as it was for me to
prepare!
Sincerely,
Brendan Webb
bwebb@wustl.edu
Contents
Committee Background…………………………………..…………. 1
Topic A: Fur Trade…………………..…..……………...………..…… 3
Topic B: Relations with Other Tribes....………..…………. 4
The Huron…..…………………………………………………………………. 5
The Neutral Confederacy…………………….…………………………… 5
The Susquehannock………………………………………………………… 5
The Mahican………….……………………………………………………….. 5
Topic C: Relations with European Powers………………
Relations with the French………………………………………………..
Relations with the Dutch…..……………………………………………..
Relations with the British..……………………………………………….
6
6
7
7
Topic D: Territory and Resources………………………….…. 7
Delegate Positions……………………..…….……………………….… 8
Bibliography…….…….…….…….….…….…………………………….. 13
Committee Background
The Iroquois League, originally established as a confederacy of five
linguistically similar tribes, was founded sometime between 1350 and 1600. Prior
to the formation of the League, the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and
Seneca tribes experienced many years of savage bloodshed. Surrounded by the
larger and more powerful Algonquians, the Iroquois were disadvantaged by their
lack of unity and inter-tribal warfare. Vicious cycles of revenge killings often led
to mass raids and eventually full-scale, unending wars. Native oral history credits
Deganawidah, a visionary tribal leader known widely as “the Peacemaker,” with
the foundation of the Iroquois League.1 Legend states that Deganawidah and his
disciple Hiawatha preached a message of peace and unity to the Iroquois tribal
leaders, which resulted in the establishment of the confederacy under a
constitution known as the Great Law of Peace.2
The League was formed with the intention of both instituting peace
among the member tribes and creating a system of collective defense against
other natives and foreign entities.3 However, the Great Law of Peace made clear
that each tribe within the Iroquois League would maintain political autonomy
and complete sovereignty over its affairs.4 Tribes were allowed to declare war or
establish peace at their own will. The democratic decision-making body known as
the Great Council consisted primarily of sachems, political and religious leaders,
representing each member tribe. The establishment of peace allowed the Iroquois
people to live a lifestyle of settlement and agriculture, unlike many of the
nomadic Algonquins living on their borders. By 1600, the total Iroquois
population had reached over 100,000.5 With the collective military and economic
strength the members of the Iroquois League became known to some as “the
Romans of the West.”6
Mohawk
Tribe
Image Credit:
Wikimedia
The Mohawk, or Kahniakenhaka (“People of the Flint Place”), resided on
the easternmost edge of the Iroquois territory.7 Close contact with European
traders and other native tribes made the Mohawk a hardened, militant people.
With the largest military in the Iroquois confederacy, the Mohawks were tasked
with defending the League from enemies to the east. The Mohawk experienced
Encyclopedia Britannica Online, s.v. “Iroquois Confederacy,” accessed March 12, 2015.
Christopher Vecsey, “The Story and Structure of the Iroquois Confederacy,” Journal of the American Academy of Religion 54,
no. 1 (1986): 83, accessed March 12, 2015, http://www.jstor.org/stable/1464101.
3 Dorothy V. Jones, License for Empire: Colonialism by Treaty in Early America (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1982),
p. 23.
4 Paul A. W. Wallace, “The Iroquois: A Brief Outline of Their History,” Pennsylvania History 23, no. 1 (1956): 16, accessed
March 12, 2015, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27769640.
5 Neta C. Crawford, “A security Regime among Democracies: Cooperation among Iroquois Nations,” International Organization
48, no. 3 (1994): 345, accessed March 12, 2015, http://www.jstor.org/stable/2706963.
6Sherman Williams, “The Iroquois Confederacy,” Proceedings of the New York State Historical Association Vol. 4 (1904): 13,
accessed March 12, 2015, http://www.jstor.org/stable/42889834.
7 Encyclopedia Britannica Online, s.v. “Mohawk,” accessed March 12, 2015.
1
2
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ongoing conflict with the Mahican over Dutch trading rights and despised the
French after Samuel de Champlain, an early French settler, killed a Mohawk chief
during his first visit to the region in 1609.8
Oneida
Tribe
The Oneida were the second tribe to accept the Great Peace and join the
Iroquois League. The Oneida occupy a large swath of territory stretching from the
St. Lawrence to the Delaware River. The Oneida relied heavily on the Mohawk for
military support.9 As a relatively peaceful and sedentary people, the Oneida were
the second most populous Iroquois tribe. The Oneida produced an abundance of
agricultural goods and were a key player in the beaver trade.
Onondaga
Tribe
As the centermost Iroquois tribe, the Onondaga hosted the meetings of
the Grand Council. The Onondaga, however, were the last Iroquois tribe to accept
that Great Law of Peace. Though initially hesitant to commit to the grand
alliance, the Onondaga are now strong proponents of intertribal collaboration.
The Onondaga had a long, violent history with the Huron, and they devoted their
small, vicious military force to territorial disputes with their northern neighbors.
Cayuga
Tribe
Seneca
Tribe
As the smallest Iroquois tribe, the Cayuga often turned to their Seneca
neighbors for economic and military support.10 As such a small tribe, the Cayuga
people are more wary of European alliances. However, this hesitance has led to
the Cayuga tribe’s lack of involvement in the beaver trade even though traders
must move through their territory to effectively traffic their goods. Numerous
raids in the late 1500s made the Susquehannock direct enemies of the Cayuga.
The Seneca were the most populous Iroquois tribe. They possessed the
second largest military within the League and led large offensive operations to
the north and south. Staunch enemies of the Huron tribe, the Seneca are
committed to destroying the northern natives. The Seneca had a long history of
mixed relations with the Neutral Nation Confederacy.
Early French
Settlement
In 1534, the French leadership sent Jacques Cartier to seek out a
northwest passage across the American continent.11 Cartier discovered the inlet of
the St. Lawrence, a promising possibility for travel to the Pacific Ocean. Cartier
sailed inland, established contact with the Huron tribe and eventually founded a
settlement at the site of modern day Montreal in 1611. Around the same time,
French explorer Samuel de Champlain established a similar colony at what is now
the city of Quebec.12 Both men were dedicated to exploration of the region and
developing the lucrative fur trade with the Huron natives. In 1608, the French
entered an official trade and defense alliance with the Huron tribe. The French
settlements remained small yet profitable as they traded European wares for
beaver pelts.
Early Dutch
Settlement
In 1609, Henry Hudson, an English explorer chartered by a Dutch trading
company, sailed up the Hudson river in search of a passage to the pacific. Hudson
stumbled upon the profitable opportunity for fur trade. The Dutch established
Williams, “The Iroquois Confederacy,” 10.
Ibid.12.
10 Ibid. 11.
11 Jas Douglas, “The Consolidation of the Iroquois Confederacy: Or, What Happened on the St. Lawrence between the Times of
Cartier and Champlain,” Journal of the American Geographical Society of New York 29, no. 1 (1897): 44, accessed March 12,
2015, http://www.jstor.org/stable/196950.
12 Ibid. 52.
8
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Fort Nassau (later called Fort Orange) as a trading post in the region that is
present day Albany, New York.13 Though the Dutch were slow to colonize the
area, they quickly became strong trading partners with the Iroquois. The
Iroquois, suffering from defeat as their enemies gained the strength of French
weapons, were extremely welcoming to the Dutch and the trade that they had to
offer.
Early British
Settlement
In the early 1600s, the British were primarily focused on settling areas
along the southeast coast of America. Vague rumors reached the Iroquois of
settlements at Roanoke and Jamestown and of the practice of slavery. The British
did not yet have a large investment in the beaver trade, though they were
concerned about competing with the French and Dutch. To the British, America
seemed a vast wealth of resources to be exploited.
Topic A: Fur Trade
New York
Tribes
Image Credit:
Native Languages
Fur trade remains a thriving industry along the Hudson River and St.
Lawrence inlet. In Europe, the market for beaver hats and coats is flourishing, as
wearing beaver pelt clothing is a symbol of wealth and social stature.14 With that
said, the natives also have many uses for beaver pelts, though their demand is
dwarfed by that of the Europeans. In response to such high demand, the Dutch
have set up a trading post at Fort Nassau, which both helps them expand their
Encyclopedia Britannica Online, s.v. “Henry Hudson,” accessed March 12, 2015.
Robert Millward, “How Could a Beaver Start a War?” The History Teacher 43, no. 2 (2010): 281, accessed March 12, 2015,
http://www.jstor.org/stable/40543293.
13
14
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hold on the fur trade and provides the Iroquois with close access to merchant
ships and the ability to capitalize on this demand. The Dutch also supply
extremely valuable manufactured goods including metal tools, cooking utensils,
jewelry, and recently a limited amount of rifles. In return, Iroquois member
tribes must provide beaver pelts for the European market. Laying on the far
eastern edge of Iroquois territory, the European trade bases are inconvenient for
many of the member tribes, meaning traders must interact with Mahican and
Huron forces to reach the Europeans. Though the Iroquois tribes own vast areas
of the beaver-producing territory, they cannot match the quantity or quality of
pelts being produced by their northern neighbors.15 The Dutch have armed the
Iroquois but not to the extent that the French have provided for the Huron.
Beaver populations have been steadily declining since the initiation of European
trade, and the Iroquois League will have to evaluate options for expanding
production.
Questions to consider:
•
How can the Iroquois League expand its beaver-producing territory
without exhausting itself militarily?
•
Are there partnership opportunities that could increase beaver pelt
revenue?
•
How can the League negotiate for a greater sale of weapons from the
Dutch?
•
What tactics could the Iroquois use to gain a competitive advantage over
or even sabotage other tribes?
Topic B: Relations with Other Tribes
Powerful native tribes surround the Iroquois League on all of its borders.
Each tribe has the potential to become either a valuable friend and trading
partner or a hostile enemy. The League must use its influence to balance its trade
and territorial interests through diplomatic agreements and military tactics.
The Huron
To the north lies the mighty Huron tribe. The Huron have established a
lucrative trade monopoly with the French at Montreal and are therefore well
supplied with manufactured goods and weapons.16 The Huron not only provide
beaver pelts from their own land, but also provide furs from tribes further north
and west as these tribes find it hard to trade with the Europeans due to
geographic constraints. Their role as middlemen between Europeans and the
natives of the far frontiers puts them in a strong economic position. Through
trade with the Huron, the French essentially have a monopoly on all fur trade
north of the Great Lakes.17 Though historically a direct competitor and enemy of
the Iroquois, the Huron would make a powerful ally if agreeable terms could be
reached.
Ibid, 277.
Vecsey, “The Story and Structure of the Iroquois Confederacy,” 91.
17 Encyclopedia Britannica Online, s.v. “Iroquois Confederacy,” accessed March 12, 2015.
15
16
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The Neutral
Confederacy
The Neutral Confederacy is a coalition of smaller tribes located directly to
the west of the Iroquois League. The Neutral Nation lacks size, strength, and
direct access to beaver markets. The small confederacy does, however, have a
strong alliance with the Huron tribe. Though separated by Lake Ontario, the
Huron pledged to provide some economic and military assistance to the Neutrals.
The territory of the Neutral Confederacy would be a valuable link between the
Iroquois and trade with other tribes to the west, allowing the Iroquois to expand
their beaver pelt production and obtain more goods.
The
Susquehannock
The Susquehannock people occupy vast swaths of land south of the
Iroquois League. The Susquehannock outnumber the Iroquois and have the
military strength to protect their border from Iroquois invasion. Trade relations
are strong between the Susquehannock and all three European powers. Their
proximity to the coast and the Potomac River give them direct access to European
merchants. To keep up with the demands of their three trade partners, the
Susquehannock have to collect and harvest an enormous amount of beavers.
They have turned far west, to the small tribes of the Ohio River valley and north
in search of more trade goods. The Susquehannock have been in frequent minor
conflicts with the Iroquois over territory and trading rights, though they are also
entangled with battles on their other borders.
The Mahican
The Mahican reside on the eastern edge of the Iroquois Confederacy. The
Mahican have been in ongoing conflict with the Mohawk tribe, the easternmost
member of the Iroquois League. When the Dutch first traveled the Hudson River,
they established trade ties with the Mahican. Along with the lucrative fur trade,
the Mahican also have better access to the wampum producing tribes that live on
the coast of New England. Wampum is a native form of currency and a very
valuable commodity. The Iroquois value relations with the Mahican for both the
wampum and trade routes they control. Dutch ships traveling to Iroquois trade
posts must pass through Mahican territory along the St. Lawrence inlet. The
Mahican currently exact a toll for the Mohawk who seek to cross their land to
reach Dutch traders.18 This toll places a significant financial burden on Iroquois
traders and Dutch buyers. The Dutch seek alternative routes to beaver pelts that
are not inflated with the costs of Mahican taxes.
Questions to consider:
•
How can the Iroquois League protect itself from possible military conflicts
on all of its borders?
•
In what ways could the Iroquois League establish itself in the growing
industry of middlemen for beaver pelts moving west to east?
•
How will the League deal with European support of Iroquois enemies?
•
Which conflicts should be resolved with strategic alliances versus military
force?
18
Vecsey, “The Story and Structure of the Iroquois Confederacy,” 97.
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Topic C: Relations with European
Powers
European powers, with their superior trade goods and demand for beaver
pelts, present valuable opportunities as trade partners and allies and as such, the
Iroquois must strategically use the Europeans to gain the upper hand in their
dealings with other native tribes. Many Iroquois, however, fear European
presence on the continent as they have brought disease to the tribes, and have
very different ideas about ownership of property and resources.
Exchange of
Goods
Image Credit:
Wikimedia
Relations
with the
French
The French remain close allies with the Huron and therefore enemies of
the Iroquois League. French aid to Huron attacks on the Iroquois in the first
decade of the 1600s has pitted the League against the French traders and
settlers.19 The Iroquois have long lacked the weaponry and power to oppose the
French and Huron alliance, but European rifles obtained through Dutch trade are
shifting the balance of power. Small skirmishes in northern Iroquois settlements
are often short and bloody. Some members of the League speak out for revenge
against the French and the Huron. Native tradition demands that a killing must
be answered with a death of equal stature from the opposing tribe.20 Talks of
opening trade between the Confederacy and France have been attempted though
repeatedly failed. The French would be a powerful trade partner if a deal could be
reached.
19
20
Millward, “How Could a Beaver Start a War?” 282.
Neta C. Crawford, “A security Regime among Democracies,” 361.
6
Relations
with the
Dutch
The Dutch remain a powerful Iroquois trade partner. It is imperative that
the League maintains good relations with the Dutch in order to obtain
manufactured goods. If the Iroquois could negotiate a greater sale of European
weapons (the Dutch remain hesitant to arm Indians), the League would gain a
much greater military foothold in the region. The Iroquois League must strive to
do whatever it can to protect itself militarily from the ever-increasing threat of
the French and their native allies. The Dutch, however, continue to trade with
many of the Iroquois’ enemies. As beaver populations decline in many eastern
regions, Dutch settlers are pushing west to expand trade posts into the Great
Lakes region and further north. Iroquois leaders fear that western Dutch trade
posts could circumvent the League’s trading territory and put the Europeans in
closer contact with the Huron and other western tribes.
Relations
with the
British
Rumors have recently reached the League about a third European power
in New England, the British. Mahican scouts report that settlers with black hats
and silver buckles on their shoes have established a colony along the coast. The
Wampanoag have been quick to establish friendly contact with the new arrivals
from Great Britain. The British, however, remain on the peripherals of Iroquois
policy. Without a significant stake in colonial New England trade, the British are
not a primary economic or territorial concern for the League. Some among the
tribes, however, see the vast riches to be exploited in the British fur market. The
British, as direct competitors with the French and Dutch, would make a powerful
ally and trade partner though their primary settlements remain far to the south.
Questions to consider:
•
In what ways could the Iroquois League use European competition to
their own advantage?
•
Could and should the Iroquois reach a trade/arms deal with France?
•
Should the Iroquois reach out to the British and in what ways could the
British aid the Iroquois?
Topic D: Territory and Resources
Since the Great Peace and the adoption of an agricultural lifestyle the
Iroquois population has been rapidly expanding. With a growing demand for
resources, the five tribes have put a significant strain on their territory to try and
satiate this demand.21 Metal European goods have sharply increased the
productivity of hunting, fishing, and agricultural practices; however, this can only
go so far since the Iroquois remain hemmed in by other tribes on all sides. If the
League is to continue to support the needs of its people it must either lay claim to
a larger swath of land or establish a lucrative trade partnership. If this cannot be
done soon, internal conflict may arise as such infighting often stems from an
unequal distribution of food and supplies among the five tribes.
21
Encyclopedia Britannica Online, s.v. “Iroquois Confederacy,” accessed March 12, 2015.
7
Questions to consider:
•
How should the five tribes agree to share surpluses and shortages of food
and supplies?
•
How can the League balance trade interests with the needs of its own
people?
•
Where would the best opportunities lie for expanding territory rich in
resources?
Delegate Positions:
Mohawk Tribe:
Chief
Canaqueese
Chief Canaqueese, sachem of the Mohawk tribe, leads the most militant and
independent Iroquois tribe. In his youth, Canaqueese was a legendary soldier
rumored to have collected over 500 Huron scalps. Though other Iroquois leaders
find him to be irritable and difficult to work with, he commands great influence
on the Grand Council. Canaqueese has previously stated his desire to unite the
Iroquois League under a single leader to bring the Iroquois to glory and forever
eradicate the Huron enemy.
Chief
Cuhtahlatah
Cuhtahlatah is known as one of the most ruthless military commanders in
Iroquois history. As military chief of the Mohawk tribe, he leads the largest
fighting force in the League. Cuhtahlatah believes that the League has grown soft
without a strong display of military force. He desires a grand offensive against the
Iroquois’s neighbors to eliminate economic competition and claim new territory.
Cuhtahlatah’s height and strength are legendary. Men say he once cut down an
ambush of 10 Mahican warriors with only a hunting knife. Cuhtahlatah is feared
by many of the Grand Council member’s and he often uses the threat of force to
get his way.
Yoseeka
Yoseeka holds the title of trade ambassador to the Dutch. As a result, Yoseeka has
many friends among the Dutch after serving as a guide to a Dutch explorer
traveling down the Hudson River. His contacts within the Dutch colonies and
strong negotiation skills make him a valuable communication link between the
League and the European settlers. Yoseeka deeply fears trade competition from
other tribes and the French, with his hatred of the latter group keeping him from
supporting any trade agreement with that nation.
Uchitkwahneh
As the oral historian, Uchitkwahneh’s primary job is to listen and remember the
history of the Iroquois League. Often overlooked by other Iroquois leaders,
Uchitkwahneh has a vast web of contacts and informants that give him extensive
information about the League’s happenings. The details of his past life are murky
though it is clear that he has been close to death many times. Uchitkwahneh is a
small and quiet though very powerful figure. His primary goal is peace and
prosperity for all of the League’s citizens and his primary weapon is knowledge.
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Skahtohnita
Fluent in all nearby Indian languages, Skahtohnita was recently appointed the
Chief of Tribal Relations. He is in charge of intertribal alliances and speaking
officially to representatives of other tribes. Skahtohnita was born a member of the
Wampanoag tribe along the New England coast. He traveled to the Iroquois
simply because he wanted to see the world, but he still communicates often with
his friends and family back east. Skahtohnita is known to be friendly and easygoing. He readily agrees with all efforts to bring peace to the nearby lands.
Onondaga Tribe:
Koiseaton
Koiseaton, the Sachem of the Onondaga tribe, is an intelligent leader who worries
often for the internal affairs of the Iroquois people. After suffering terribly during
a long drought 10 years ago, Koiseaton believes in the opening of all tribal
borders and the equal distribution of resources. He advocates for peaceful
interaction with other tribes and European trade partners. Rumors have surfaced
of a romantic relationship between Koiseaton and Thanenwatha, the Sachem of
the Cayuga tribe.
Hiawatha
Hiawatha, a legendary figure, is a chief of the Onondaga tribe and the disciple of
Deganawida (the founder of the Iroquois League). Originally of Huron descent,
he is known as a wise leader and outspoken believer in peace. He maintains a
close friendship with Uchitkwahneh, the oral historian. The oldest member of the
Iroquois League, Hiawatha is a humble yet influential figure in the Grand
Council.
Lothilaks
Originally from the southeast part of British colonial territory, Lothilaks was
brought north by English slavers before he escaped and made it all the way to the
Iroquois. The Iroquois hail him as having great spiritual power. Lothilaks claims
to be a prophet and foresees the destruction of the natives at the hands of the
Europeans. He opposes any European alliances and believes that the natives
must unite to fight oppression. Loud and arrogant, Lothilaks commands a
significant presence at the Council meetings.
Chief
Katkwarehuh
Dekenti
Katkwarehuh is the military chief of the Onondaga tribe. His troops include a
small force of highly trained archers subject to legend after their successful night
raids on Susquehannock villages. Katkwarehuh works closely with his good friend
Dekenti. He believes that peace cannot be reached but through battle. He often
argues with the more peaceful members of the Grand Council.
A former war captive of the Huron, Dekenti is a military advisor to the Iroquois
League. He is a hardened warrior with an eye patch and a missing left hand.
Widely regarded as a wise military leader, he favors smaller operations and
assassinations over large displays of military power. His hatred for the Huron
runs deeper than the St. Lawrence River. Dekenti is always angry and believes
that the League should focus on military tactics rather than getting caught up in
trade negotiations.
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Oneida Tribe:
Tachnewada
Tachnewada was captured by the French in the late 1500s. After a brief
imprisonment in France, he was returned to his homeland with fluent command
of the French language. The Oneida tribe believes that Tachnewada rose from the
dead and regards him with spiritual awe. Tachnewada is amiable towards his
former captors and advocates for a French alliance.
Sagoyeshon
Sagoyeshon is the cunning Sachem of the Oneida tribe. He has a close cousin in
the Mahican tribe; some claim that Sagoyeshon and Yotahawe have conspired
with the Mahican to bypass the Iroquois League and trade privately. Sagoyeshon
lives a lavish lifestyle and believes in material comforts. He has numerous friends
among the Council’s younger members, though many wonder what role his lavish
gifts have played in these relationships. He is outspoken and always smiling.
Wanatchwah
As the military chief of the Oneida tribe, Wanatchwah commands the League’s
only naval force, a band of warriors and archers that use large canoes to carry out
raids on the Huron across the St. Lawrence river and Lake Ontario. He seeks
revenge for the many good men that he has lost to the Huron over the years and
believes that the Europeans only interfere with honest warfare. A wise and
hardened warrior, Wanatchwah allegedly sleeps aboard a canoe and eats only raw
fish. Though an important asset to the League, he has a generally disagreeable
disposition.
Yotahawe
Yotahawe is the League’s sachem of trade and is known as a ruthless negotiator.
He manages the Iroquois League’s complicated network of trade relationships.
Yotahawe, an older member of the council, is credited with first establishing
trade relations with the Dutch. He has been accused of making many shady deals
with foreign entities and unfairly allocating resources, though he always seems to
talk his way out of facing punishment. He frequently displays his private wealth
through his elaborate form of dress and conspicuous longhouse.
Hotohndiwe
As the Chief of the Land, Hotohndiwe’s primary task is to keep the maps of the
Iroquois territory. Quiet and mysterious, Hotohndiwe is believed to have spiritual
connections with the flora and fauna of the surrounding wilderness. None among
the League’s other leaders know where he lives or what he does beyond attending
Council meetings. It is said Hotohndiwe was branded by a cruel European trader
when he was just a boy, and he vehemently opposes European intrusion into
native life. He believes that the tribes should return to the old ways of hunting
and gathering.
Cayuga Tribe:
Thanenwatha
Thanenwatha, Sachem of the Cayuga tribe, is a close ally to both the Onondaga
and Seneca tribes. Only a year ago, his brother and dearest friend was killed by
Huron archers while fighting under the command of chief Cuhtahlatah. Stories
abound of his brother’s bravery and honorable death, but Thanenwatha,
consumed by his rage and sadness, holds a deep-seated anger towards the
Mohawk tribe. He is an outspoken opponent of all Mohawk ideas and fears that
10
they are coming to dominate the League’s leadership. Rumors have surfaced to
suggest a romantic relationship between Thanenwatha and Koiseaton.
Sgawende
As the military chief of the Cayuga tribe, Sgawende commands a large force of
warriors but is careful to only use force when necessary. Two years ago a
Susquehannock man kidnapped his sister during a raid. Sgawende has vowed to
avenge his sister and kill the man who stole her though he has little ambition to
use military force for other causes. Sgawende has been called the most handsome
man in all the Iroquois lands. He is arrogant and cares more for his personal
objectives than the greater good of the Iroquois.
Karahkeka
One of the oldest members of the Grand Council, Karahkeka holds the title of
Interpreter of the Great Law of Peace. He promotes peace and interprets the law
within the League. Though a close colleague of Hiawatha, he is known to be dry
and unfriendly. Karahkeka has the final say on disputes between League
members, and he does not let personal relationships cloud justice. Over many
long years, he has developed a deep sense of trust and awe from the League’s
other members.
Isek
Isek, the Sachem of the Wampum, is a newcomer to the Grand Council. He was
born a member of the Wampanoag tribe, though he fled after his entire family
was killed by disease. He stole off with a sack filled with valuable wampum and
presented it to the League’s leaders upon his arrival. Isek has the power to make
decisions about how wampum should be traded and spent though many of the
other Council members distrust this fresh face. He is clever, though very
hotheaded at times. Isek often comes in conflict with Yotahawe over the extent of
their respective powers.
Gehngehn
Gehngehn, the chief of hunting, fishing, and agriculture, is a simple farmer with
an eye for numbers. He was appointed his position after successfully predicting a
terrible drought 10 years ago. He reports to the Council on the status of game and
land resources. Many of the League’s leaders ignore Gehngehn’s frequent
apocalyptic rants, though time has proved his words ominously correct. He firmly
believes that the Iroquois must expand their territory to survive. He is fearful of
Europeans and encourages the use of old practices and tools for obtaining food.
Seneca Tribe:
Sketondoah
Sketondoah, Sachem of the Seneca tribe, was born to the west in a small tribe of
the Neutral Confederacy. He maintains close relations with one of his childhood
friends, the current leader of the smaller confederacy. Sketondoah advocates for
an Iroquois partnership with the Neutral Nation, and his friend has promised
vast trade riches for both parties if a deal could be reached. Sketondoah, however,
believes that the natives must not become too reliant on the Europeans. He
worries that European trade will undermine the Iroquois’s control of the land.
Ojistah
Fifteen years ago, Ojistah’s husband, a decorated Iroquois military general, was
killed in an accident with a band of Dutch traders. Ojistah, vowing to avenge his
death, rose to powetr as a spiritual leader and seeks to rally the tribes to drive out
the colonists. Her mistrust of Europeans runs deep, and she hopes to unite all
native tribes under a single confederacy. Ojistah preaches strength before the
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common enemy: the white man. Dark rumors surround her frequent religious
meetings that honor the dead Iroquois and glorify revenge. Some say Ojistah
spills the blood of European prisoners as a tribute to the land. Her message
resonates amongst a large portion of the population, though other leaders are
wary of her influence. Many fear that she may act without the authority of the
Grand Council.
Oskanondah
Oskanondah inherited his position as military chief of the Seneca Tribe from his
father, a grand military hero from the days of intertribal warfare. He controls the
second largest army in the Iroquois League though he has spent little time on an
actual battlefield. Oskanondah’s fighters are known for their vibrant body paint,
fearsome battle cries, and fondness for European weapons. His father instilled in
him the idea that most problems can be taken care of with a large show of force.
Ratheweton
Ratheweton, the chief of scouts, knows the Iroquois lands and surrounding
territory better than any man. His brother was renowned as the greatest hunter
of all time until he was murdered by a Huron war party. After his brother’s death,
Ratheweton disappeared into the wilderness for 5 years, allegedly living among
wolves and learning the ways of the pack. Upon his return he was appointed chief
of scouts though he has never again trusted other men. Ratheweton keeps close
attention to warrior movements across the Iroquois lands.
Jittenkwah
Jittenkwah, representative of the Iroquois people, grew up in an extremely
remote community in the Adirondack Mountains. He was the only survivor of a
terrible alpine blizzard that lasted for 5 days and 5 nights. Since then he has
wandered the Iroquois lands dressed in dirty rags and bearing an elaborately
carved walking stick. He travels from village to village across the League and
vows to bring the word of the people to the Grand Council. Maintaining a humble
presence he learns all the ways and wishes of the Iroquois citizens.
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