How the Haudenosaunee Council Reaches One Mind
The Onondaga Nation’s description of how the Haudenosaunee council decides an issue, using three “benches.” This excerpt uses only the section called “Government.” On the original page it is written as a classroom activity. This version leaves out the activity directions and the rest of the page, which has other teaching ideas.
This page is a simplified version of the original text (leveled toward 800L). Photos, maps, and other images are not on this page — use the original link above to see them.
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The Haudenosaunee is the oldest continuous democratic government on Turtle Island (North America). This is how the Haudenosaunee government works. It uses a system of three benches to try to come to be of One Mind.
The rule: When a speaker stands, they have the floor. They cannot be interrupted until they sit down and give up their time.
The three benches are:
- Firekeepers: Onondaga
- Older Brothers: Mohawk and Seneca
- Younger Brothers: Oneida and Cayuga
Step 1. Each bench quietly chooses one speaker.
Step 2. The Firekeepers introduce the issue or problem.
Step 3. The Older Brothers talk among themselves, quietly, to come up with a solution they are all comfortable with. Their speaker sends the idea to the Younger Brothers.
Step 4. The Younger Brothers talk among themselves, quietly, to see if they agree with the solution from the Older Brothers. If they do not agree, the Younger Brothers discuss a new idea or solution. Their speaker sends it to the Older Brothers.
Step 5. The Older Brothers listen to the idea or solution sent by the Younger Brothers. If they disagree, they send a new idea back to the Younger Brothers, and the process starts again. If they agree with the Younger Brothers, the Older Brothers send the idea or solution to the Firekeepers.
Step 6. The Firekeepers listen and discuss the idea or solution. If they disagree, they send their own idea to the Older Brothers, and the process starts again. If the Firekeepers agree, the speaker announces the idea or solution. The speaker says that the Council has become “Of One Mind,” and the matter is closed.