Deganawida (The Great Peacemaker)

Deganawida, known as The Great Peacemaker, was a legendary Indigenous leader believed to have unified the Iroquois Confederacy in the 12th or 15th century. He promoted peace, diplomacy, and cooperation among warring tribes, establishing a constitution called the Great Law of Peace. His teachings emphasized unity, respect, and consensus, helping to create a strong, organized political alliance that lasted centuries. Deganawida’s leadership laid the foundation for collaborative governance and peaceful coexistence among the Iroquois nations, influencing Indigenous governance and inspiring ideas of peaceful resolutions worldwide.