History of the United States in 100 Objects -- 17: The Hiawatha Belt
Historiansplaining: A historian tells you why everything you know is wrong
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The Great Confederation
According to this proclamation, each of the five tribes would govern themselves under their own counsels. There would also be a further single council of elders, or great council, which would gather regularly at onondaga and resolve disputes peaceably. And gigonsasi, who was soe in getting this law enacted, she then chose tato daho as the sort of chief leader, or president of this great council. This set the precedent that henceforward, the leading women of each tribe, or the so called clan mothers, would elect the councillors and presidents in the great council. So although tha the leaders were male, they were chosen by the respective women. The confederation was literally formed
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