Overview – Meaning of Kaianere’kó:wa & Haudenosaunee Governance

The Peacemaker and his helper, Hayę́hwataˀ, established the Haudenosaunee form of government under KAIANERE’KÓ:WA – the Great Law of Peace, over 1,000 years ago.

Move your cursor over the wampum belt to learn more.

The Peacemaker was sent by the Creator to bring an end to violence and war among the Haudenosaunee. He enlisted the help of Hayę́hwataˀ. After several years, they visited with all the war leaders of the Five Nations to convince them to use the Good Mind to promote peace among their people and between their nations.

The set out the rules and protocols to be followed to promote peace. Their teachings were recorded in several sacred wampum belts. The Peacemaker stood the original 50 Chiefs in a Circle, fed them from a dish with one spoon, kindled their council fires, and planted a Great White Peace to symbolize the ever-growing peace, and placed an eagle on top of that Tree to be the protector of their councils and to sound warning when danger approaches.