02/01/2026
INDIGENOUS IDEAS: The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy inspired the U.S. Founding Fathers, notably through the "5 arrows" symbol of unity and the "Great Law of Peace," which influenced the Constitution's federalist structure.
When proposing the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the prophet and organizer referred to as The Peacemaker demonstrated that while one arrow is easily broken, five bound together—representing the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca nations—are unbreakable.
Years later, several Haudenosaunee Confederacy leaders explained this idea to Anglo-American colonial leaders, urging them to consider unifying the competing royal colonies for mutual defense and prosperity.
For example, at the 1754 Albany Congress, Mohawk Sachem (High Chief) Hendrick used the arrow example to show colonial leaders how to unite. In the room that day, colonial leader and pamphleteer Benjamin Franklin was struck by this idea which he actively studied and advocated for the Anglo-American colonies to embrace.
After the American Revolution, Franklin and other founders adopted this concept officially, with the U.S. seal eventually featuring an eagle clutching 13 arrows, symbolizing the original colonies' strength in unity.
The fact that the Haudenosaunee Confederacy inspired the Founding Fathers was recognized by Concurrent Resolution 331, issued by the U. S. Congress in 1988, which states in part:
"Whereas the original framers of the Constitution, including, most notably, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, are known to have greatly admired the concepts of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy; Whereas the confederation of the original Thirteen Colonies into one republic was influenced by the political system developed by the Iroquois Confederacy as were many of the democratic principles which were incorporated into the Constitution itself..."
The next special exhibit at the Museum of Indigenous People will recognize and explore the technology, ideals, philosophy and other things the Indigenous communities shared with others, which are still being used today!
This special exhibit is called, CONTRIBUTIONS. Coming in early 2026.
To learn more about this event, go to
https://www.museumofindigenouspeople.org/about-5
(Pictured: During the 1744 Treaty of Lancaster negotiations, Iroquois leader Canassatego used a bundle of arrows to demonstrate that unity brings strength, while division causes weakness. He broke a single arrow but could not break six arrows bound together, urging colonies to unite. This metaphor directly influenced the 13 arrows in the Great Seal of the United States. )
