Deganawida

Deganawida, known as the Peacemaker, was a legendary Iroquois leader credited with uniting the five Iroquois nations (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca) around a cooperative framework. Around the 15th or 16th century, he promoted the importance of peace, consensus, and shared governance, helping to establish the Great Law of Peace. This societal foundation emphasized diplomacy, respect, and unity, serving as a model for peaceful conflict resolution and democratic principles that influenced later governance systems. Deganawida's teachings fostered stability and cooperation among diverse groups, emphasizing the collective strength of a united community.