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Haudenosaunee

Also known as: Iroquois, Six Nations

First Nations

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy — meaning "People of the Longhouse" — is one of the oldest democracies in the world, founded centuries before European contact. Its constitution, the Great Law of Peace, influenced the framers of the American Constitution. The Confederacy consists of six nations: Mohawk, Onondaga, Cayuga, Oneida, Seneca and Tuscarora.

Quick Facts

Group First Nations

Language Iroquoian

Population Over 45,000

Regions ON, QC

💡 The game of lacrosse was created by the Haudenosaunee and other northeastern Indigenous peoples, who played it for spiritual, medicinal and training purposes. Games could last days and cover miles of terrain.

🗺️ Traditional Territory

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy's traditional territory covers much of what is now southern Ontario, Quebec and upstate New York.

A note on this page: This is a brief introduction. The Haudenosaunee have a rich and complex history, culture and living presence that cannot be captured here. We encourage you to seek out Haudenosaunee voices, visit cultural centres, and engage with community members directly.