Jonah Patel
The Iroquois Constitution, also known as the Great Binding Law or Gayanashagowa, establishes the roles and responsibilities of various individuals and groups within the Iroquois Nations. One such group is the Firekeepers, who are referenced in the first article of the Constitution. The Firekeepers, or Adodarhoh and the Onondaga Nation, are responsible for formally opening and closing all councils of the Confederate Lords. They also hold the power to render decisions on matters deliberated by the two sides. The Firekeepers are associated with the symbolic planting of the Tree of the Great Peace, which represents the unity and peace among the tribes of the Iroquois Nations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Role | To formally open and close all councils of the Confederate Lords |
| To pass upon all matters deliberated upon by the two sides and render their decision | |
| To render a decision as they see fit in case of a disagreement by the two bodies, or confirm the decisions of the two bodies if they are identical | |
| To report their decision to the Mohawk Lords, who shall announce it to the open council | |
| To be present at every Confederate Council and agree with the majority without unwarrantable dissent, so that a unanimous decision may be rendered | |
| To sit beneath the Tree of Peace and watch the Council Fire of the Confederacy of the Five Nations | |
| To conduct all the business of the Five Nations Confederate Council |
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What You'll Learn
Firekeepers are part of the Onondaga Nation
Firekeepers are a key part of the Onondaga Nation, as outlined in the Iroquois Constitution, also known as the Great Binding Law, or Gayanashagowa. The first article of the constitution describes the symbolic planting of the
The Firekeepers are responsible for formally opening and closing all councils of the Confederate Lords. They also have the power to pass upon all matters deliberated upon by the two sides and render their decisions. Every Onondaga Lord, or his deputy, must be present at every Confederate Council and agree with the majority to reach a unanimous decision. If Adodarhoh or any of his cousin Lords are absent, another Firekeeper may open and close the Council, but they may not give any decisions unless the matter is trivial.
The Iroquois Constitution describes the Firekeepers as sitting beneath the "Tree of the Great Peace", watching the Council Fire of the Confederacy of the Five Nations. All the affairs of the Five Nations are to be transacted at this place before the Firekeepers, Adodarhoh, and his cousin Lords. The Firekeepers are highly honoured, and some believe that they have special powers to control fire or other elements of the universe.
The Mohawk and Seneca Lords must first unanimously agree on a question, then report their decision to the Cayuga and Oneida Lords, who deliberate and report back to the Mohawk Lords. The Mohawk Lords then report the standing of the case to the Firekeepers, who render a decision as they see fit in case of a disagreement by the two bodies, or confirm identical decisions. The Firekeepers then report their decision to the Mohawk Lords, who announce it to the open council.
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They open and close all councils
The Iroquois Constitution, also known as the Great Binding Law or Gayanashagowa, outlines the role of Firekeepers as those who formally open and close all councils of the Confederate Lords. The Firekeepers are based in the Onondaga Nation, and the first article of the Iroquois Constitution describes the symbolic planting of the "Tree of the Great Peace" by Dekanawidah and the Five Nations' Confederate Lords in their territory.
The Firekeepers play a crucial role in the decision-making process of the Iroquois Confederacy. They are responsible for passing upon all matters deliberated upon by the two sides and rendering their decisions. The Mohawk and Seneca Lords report their unanimous decision to the Cayuga and Oneida Lords, who then deliberate and report back to the Mohawk Lords. The Mohawk Lords then inform the Firekeepers, who have the authority to make a final decision or confirm the previous decisions if they align. The Firekeepers' decision is then announced to the open council by the Mohawk Lords.
The presence of an Onondaga Lord or his deputy is mandatory at every Confederate Council. They must agree with the majority to ensure a unanimous decision. If Adodarhoh or any of his cousin Lords are absent, another Firekeeper may open and close the Council, but they may not give any decisions unless the matter is minor.
The Firekeepers' role in opening and closing the councils symbolises the start and conclusion of the decision-making process. Their involvement ensures that all matters are thoroughly discussed and decided upon by the Confederate Lords, with the Firekeepers providing a final verdict or confirmation. This process promotes unity and peace among the Iroquois Nations, as embodied by the "Tree of the Great Peace."
The Iroquois Constitution's establishment of the Firekeepers' role in opening and closing all councils underscores the importance of consensus-building and harmonious decision-making within the Confederacy. It also reflects the respect and influence accorded to the Firekeepers as guardians of the Council Fire.
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They pass on matters and make decisions
The Iroquois Constitution, also known as the Great Binding Law or Gayanashagowa, outlines the important role of Firekeepers in its first article. The Firekeepers, or Adodarhoh and the Onondaga Nation, are entrusted with the responsibility of formally opening and closing all councils of the Confederate Lords. They are also tasked with passing on matters and making decisions.
The process by which the Firekeepers make decisions is carefully outlined in the Iroquois Constitution. Firstly, the Mohawk and Seneca Lords must unanimously agree on a question or matter. They then report their decision to the Cayuga and Oneida Lords, who deliberate and provide their own unanimous decision back to the Mohawk Lords. At this stage, the Mohawk Lords inform the Firekeepers of the standing of the case, and the Firekeepers render a decision. If the Mohawk and Seneca Lords and the Cayuga and Oneida Lords have reached the same decision, the Firekeepers confirm this decision. However, in cases where there is a disagreement between the two bodies, the Firekeepers have the authority to make a decision as they see fit.
The Firekeepers' decision is then communicated back to the Mohawk Lords, who announce it to the open council. This process ensures that the Firekeepers play a crucial role in resolving disagreements and reaching unanimous decisions. It is worth noting that if the Firekeepers' decision differs from the joint decision of the two sides, the matter must be reconsidered, and the Firekeepers are then compelled to confirm the joint decision of the two sides.
The Firekeepers' role in passing on matters and rendering decisions is significant, as it contributes to the overall unity and peace among the Iroquois Nations. Their decisions are respected and adhered to by the Confederate Lords, fostering a sense of harmony and consensus within the Confederacy of the Five Nations. This process highlights the importance placed on consensus-building and the peaceful resolution of disputes within the Iroquois Confederacy.
Furthermore, the Firekeepers' role extends beyond decision-making. They are also responsible for overseeing the affairs of the Five Nations. This includes the symbolic planting of the "Tree of the Great Peace" and ensuring that all matters are transacted under the shade of this tree. The Firekeepers, seated beneath the tree's branches, witness the Council Fire of the Confederacy of the Five Nations. This symbolic setting reinforces the idea of unity, peace, and the importance of conducting affairs with careful deliberation.
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Firekeepers are highly honoured
The Firekeepers are responsible for formally opening and closing all councils of the Confederate Lords, and they pass upon all matters deliberated upon by the two sides, rendering their decision. Every Onondaga Lord (or his deputy) must be present at every Confederate Council and must agree with the majority without unwarrantable dissent, so that a unanimous decision may be rendered. If Adodarhoh or any of his cousin Lords are absent from a Confederate Council, any other Firekeeper may open and close the Council, but the Firekeepers present may not give any decisions unless the matter is of small importance.
The Firekeepers' role in the Iroquois Constitution is significant, as they are tasked with facilitating the decision-making process and ensuring unanimous agreements. They are also associated with the symbolic "Tree of the Great Peace", which may represent the friendly unity and peace among the tribes.
Some people believe that the Firekeepers were highly honoured because they were thought to possess special powers that controlled fire or other elements of the universe. This perception may have contributed to their esteemed status within the Iroquois Nation.
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They are mentioned in the first article of the Iroquois Constitution
The Iroquois Constitution, also known as the Great Binding Law or Gayanashagowa, mentions the Firekeepers in its first article. The first article of the Iroquois Constitution primarily discusses the symbolic planting of the "
The article describes how Dekanawidah, along with the Five Nations' Confederate Lords, plants the Tree of Great Peace in the territory of the Firekeepers. This tree is named the Tree of the Great Long Leaves, and its purpose is to symbolise the unity and peace among the tribes. Under this tree, soft white feathery down from the globe thistle is spread to create seats for Adodarhoh and his cousin Lords.
The Firekeepers are given a significant role in the Iroquois Constitution. They are responsible for formally opening and closing all councils of the Confederate Lords. Additionally, they are tasked with passing upon all matters deliberated upon by the two sides and rendering their decisions. The presence of an Onondaga Lord or his deputy is mandatory at every Confederate Council to ensure unanimity in decision-making. In the absence of Adodarhoh or any of his cousin Lords, another Firekeeper may open and close the Council, but they are not authorised to make decisions unless the matter is trivial.
Furthermore, the Mohawk and Seneca Lords must first unanimously agree on a question before reporting their decision to the Cayuga and Oneida Lords for deliberation. Afterward, the Mohawk Lords will report the outcome to the Firekeepers, who will make the final decision in case of a disagreement or confirm identical decisions. The Firekeepers then communicate their decision to the Mohawk Lords, who announce it to the open council.
The Firekeepers, as mentioned in the first article of the Iroquois Constitution, hold a crucial role in facilitating the decision-making process of the Confederate Lords. Their presence and participation contribute to the unity and peaceful resolution of affairs among the Five Nations.
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Frequently asked questions
The Firekeepers are the Onondaga Nation, who, along with their cousin Lords, are addressed by Dekanawidah in the first article of the Iroquois Constitution.
The Firekeepers formally open and close all councils of the Confederate Lords, and they pass upon all matters deliberated upon by the two sides and render their decision.
The Firekeepers are highly honoured in the Iroquois Constitution. They are tasked with maintaining the Council Fire of the Confederacy of the Five Nations and all the affairs of the Five Nations are transacted before them.
