Aboriginal Law & Indigenous Laws

The book was developed through the efforts of the Newberry Library's project to document all Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) treaties. It provides a handy reference for treaties, treaty events, participants, and a glossary of metaphors used in Haudenosaunee political rhetoric. The chapters discuss treay diplomacy, alliances, the Iroquois in Canada, Function of wampum in councils, Treaty Events from earliest known in 1613 to 1913; treaty calendar, gazetteer, and a list persons participating in treaties. Contributors include Francis Jennings, William N. Fenton, Mary Druke, Michael Foster, Robert Surtees, and David R. Miller.

This book offers fascinating perspectives on the life, traditions, and current affairs of the peoples of the Iroquois Confederacy. Author Doug George-Kanentiio is a Mohawk now living in Oneida Territory who is actively involved in issues affecting the Confederacy.

Douglas George-Kanentiio, a member of the Mohawk Nation and an activist for Native American claims, details the history of his Nation from initial contact with the Europeans through to the casino crises. As a key figure in events of the last two decades, George-Kanentiio uses aspects of his personal story to highlight issues of public interest: the land, family and community, geography, federal interference in tribal affairs, religion, political activism, land use/claims, and connections to organized crime.

A close account of the treaty relationship between the Haudenosaunee and the Crown, produced for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

A collection of philosophical fragments produced by Sotsisowah John Mohawk from across his career. Topics covered include Indigenous economics, governance, rights, and political philosophy.

In the rich tradition of oral storytelling, Chief Irving Powless Jr. of the Beaver Clan of the Onondaga Nation reminds us of an ancient treaty. It promises that the Haudenosaunee people and non-Indigenous North Americans will respect each other's differences even when their cultures and behaviors differ greatly. Powless shares intimate stories of growing up close to the earth, of his work as Wampum Keeper for the Haudenosaunee people, of his heritage as a lacrosse player, and of the treaties his ancestors made with the newcomers. Powless illustrates for all of us the importance of respect, peace, and, most importantly, living by the unwritten laws that preserve the natural world for future generations.

Contains two highly influential accounts of the Great Law of Peace: the first produced by Deyodekane Seth Newhouse, including his famous articulation of the Great Law as a modern constitution; the second endorsed by the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs and composed primarily by Skanyatariyo John Gibson.

Designed to be used as a legal textbook, this is a sophisticated account of the key principles of the Great Law.

As complete a translation of Skanyatariyo John Arthur Gibson’s account of the Great Law as it currently exists.

Six Nations artist Elizabeth Doxtator documents her personal journey to understanding the formation of the Great Law of Peace.

The section on the Great Law is valuable for its emotional depth, particularly its account of Ayenhwatha.