# Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council (HCCC), also called the Iroquois Confederacy by the French, and the League of Five Nations by the English, is the traditional government of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, that unites the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and later the Tuscarora people.

## Overview

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council was founded by the Peacemaker with the assistance of Aionwatha (Hiawatha) as a means to unite the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca nations under a system of peace and collective governance, ensuring that all member nations have a voice in decision-making processes. The exact date of its formation is unknown.
The governance structure consists of 50 Chiefs and 49 Clan Mothers representing all the clans from the member nations, tasked with resolving disputes and ensuring the welfare of all people within the Confederacy. Each nation retains its council, with Chiefs selected by the Clan Mother to oversee internal affairs, while the Grand Council addresses matters impacting the entire Confederacy.
The Haudenosaunee use the longhouse as a symbol of their Confederacy. Each nation was assigned a role within this structure, with the Onondaga serving as the Keepers of the Fire. The Mohawk, Seneca, and Onondaga were recognized as the Elder Brothers, while the Cayuga and Oneida were the Younger Brothers in the Grand Council. The main meeting place is still located on Onondaga territory and the Grand River.
The Council operates under its traditional structure and principles, maintaining its identity as a government rooted in Haudenosaunee laws, customs, and treaties. The HCCC prioritizes issues related to land rights, environmental stewardship, spiritual beliefs, language, and cultural preservation. Its core functions include:
* advocating for land rights and protecting Haudenosaunee territories from unauthorized development;
* ensuring adherence to legal obligations related to Haudenosaunee consultation and treaty agreements;
* promoting sustainable land use practices, including the HDI Green Plan, which emphasizes ecological preservation and responsible resource management;
* defending Haudenosaunee sovereignty by engaging with governments and corporations to uphold treaty rights.
In 2024, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s Great Law of Peace was recognized as a finalist for a World Future Policy Award 2024.

## Legal framework

Over the centuries, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy has played a crucial role in regional governance, treaty negotiations, and advocacy for Haudenosaunee rights:
* The Nanfan Treaty (1701) – recognizing Haudenosaunee land rights.
* The Two Row Wampum Treaty – establishing the principle of coexistence between Haudenosaunee and European nations.
* The Covenant Chain Treaty – strengthening diplomatic relations with colonial governments.

## Major initiatives
### The HDI Green Plan

A comprehensive framework focusing on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental preservation, the HDI Green Plan promotes development that aligns with Haudenosaunee values and ecological balance.
HCCC and HDI have actively opposed various development projects that threaten treaty rights and the environment. The Waterdown Bypass project was halted due to a lack of proper consultation with the Haudenosaunee. Enbridge’s Hamilton Reinforcement Project was challenged by HCCC for failing to consult Haudenosaunee representatives. Similarly, the Ontario Place Redevelopment has been contested for not adhering to Section 35 of the Constitution Act, which protects Haudenosaunee rights. The Volkswagen Group’s Battery Cell Gigafactory has also faced criticism for failing to engage in Nation-to-Nation consultation as required by treaties.
In 2021, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council (HCCC) declared a development moratorium across the entire Haldimand Tract, citing violations of Haudenosaunee land rights and lack of proper consultation.

### Haudenosaunee Development Institute’s (HDI) Development Protocol

This protocol establishes guidelines for development projects in Haudenosaunee territory, requiring free, prior, and informed consent before any project begins. It also mandates impact assessments considering cultural, social, and environmental effects.