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Miami University Model United Nations Conference XII April 6-7, 2019 League

Meet the Chairs Chair: Ally Reilly Ally is a third-year senior from the Chicago suburbs. She is majoring in Diplomacy and Global Politics with minors in European Area Studies and Social Justice and Inequalities. Ally has studied abroad in Berlin, Germany and was able to travel to Thailand as part of the University Scholars program. On campus, she is involved in Model UN as treasurer and the Janus Forum. She works in the Office of Institutional Relations, a division of The Office of the President, as Deputy Chief of Staff and is an editorial assistant for the book review section of the Politics and Religion Journal, the leading journal in the Politics and Religion subfield of American Political Science Association. Email: [email protected] ​

Co-Chair: Omar Elghazawi Omar is a first-year student from Cleveland, Ohio. He is majoring in political science and journalism. He participates in multiple organizations at Miami; including Model United Nations, College Democrats, the Miami Student newspaper, and in Associated Student Government as an Academic Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences. He is a big Cleveland sports fan. In his spare time, he watches sports and researching the flags of the world’s countries. Email: [email protected] ​

A-Team: Jacob Selent

Miami University Model United Nations Conference XII April 6-7, 2019 Iroquois League

Committee Mandate Grand Council: The Grand Council of the Iroquois has been convened to respond to the rapidly changing times. It is now 1715 and the League is facing threats from all sides. There had been a long period with peace but with that peace has risen a higher need for resources. Trade and territory are under question with neighboring tribes and possible new threats. The League is surrounded by tribes, including the Huron to the north, the nomadic Algonquin and the Mahican to the east. These tribes have varying levels of interaction with the Dutch and French. Iroquois delegates have determined that the Huron tribe has grown close with the French, trading goods and weapons. We currently have small scale trading with the Dutch and we must protect our role and position in the region. Grand Council members are composed of members of all five nations within the League. To ensure a strong future in these troubling times you must cooperate to ensure strong trade routes and partners, maintain political alliances and protect and grow the League to provide for an expanding population. The members each are primarily responsible for representing the interests of their tribe while taking care to work for the good of the League. The League is at its most formidable when the individual nations reach a full consensus for action and alliances. The main threats currently facing our people are rebuilding relationships after the with other tribes and European nations, encroachment and domination of the pelt trade by European, and the addition of unfriendly European settlers in the region. With one conflict over, it is time to look toward the future and new challenges. However, if we work as one we can outmatch any threat. Let us work to restore the dominant position of the Iroquois League and prepare for future threats.

Best Wishes, Grand Council Chairs

Miami University Model United Nations Conference XII April 6-7, 2019 Iroquois League Historical Background The Iroquois League was founded between 1350 and 1600 after intermittent periods of devastating bloodshed. The first five tribes to join had similar languages and were in what later be the area known as when colonizers arrived. The League was created to protect the tribes from threatening neighbors, and later encroaching Europeans. The alliance was fostered by Deganawidah, “the Peacemaker” with the help of . They united the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca tribes under a constitution named the Gayanashagowa, the . The Great Law of Peace guaranteed political autonomy to each tribe and sovereignty over their internal affairs. Each tribe has the authority to declare war or sign peace treaties autonomously. The constitution provided for collective defense, which allowed for the transition into a more settled lifestyle with an agricultural focus rather than the nomadic Algonquians, on the borders of the Iroquois League. This period of security leads to population, military, and economic growth, creating a formidable and respected force with the region. The Grand Council is located in Onondaga. The chiefs of each nation wear deer antlers to demonstrate their authority. The League can expand to accept new members by unanimous vote. Each nation is also able to take in refugees. European expansion is creating more competition in the region within the Iroquois nations and other tribes. Competition between European nations could also prove dangerous for the Iroquois through war, land grabs, or trade disruptions. One such instance was the Beaver Wars beginning in 1609; the Iroquois League waged war against their neighboring tribes, the French and onetime allies, the Huron. The Iroquois attempted to gain control of the lucrative fur trade and connections to European manufactured goods. In 1701, the Iroquois League signed a peace treaty with the French ending the Beaver Wars, though the Iroquois did partake in some acts against the French in the War of Spanish Succession. Overall the peace treaty has come a period of tense but prosperous neutrality.

Current Tribes in the Iroquois League

Mohawk Tribe Miami University Model United Nations Conference XII April 6-7, 2019 Iroquois League The Mohawk Tribe, self-named “People of the Flint”, is a mix of hunting and agricultural based. Women tended to corn fields and men hunted and fished. The tribe is the easternmost, comprised of smaller villages which are lead by a local council. The tribe has a history of conflict with the Algonquian, weapons from the Dutch helped the Mohawk secure victories. The Mohawk leader, Dekanawida was crucial in the foundation of the Iroquois League. The Mohawk tribe is the largest militarily.

Oneida Tribe The Oneida tribe, self-named “People of the Standing Stone”, sustained on a mix of agriculture and hunting. The tribe is divided into three clans and is guided by local councils. It is a smaller tribe. They were the second tribe to accept the Great Peace and join the Iroquois League. They are closely tied to the Mohawk for military support, but they have wide spanning diplomats and are the strongest nation economically.

Onondaga Tribe The Onondaga, self-named “People of the Hills”, is the geographical and political center of the Iroquois League. Like most of the Iroquois tribes, they lived in longhouses and had a mix of sedentary and nomadic lifestyles. They planted corn, beans, tobacco, squash, and sunflowers; occasionally moving to find new fields and resources. The Onondaga tribe is divided into local communities which are led by a council of adult males.

Cayuga Tribe The Cayuga tribe, self-named “People of the Great Swamp”, are in the region bordering Lake Cayuga. The Cayuga men are hunters and fishers while women grew maize. The tribe is divided into eight clans which are guided by village chiefs. The Cayuga are known to be open to accepting other groups into their communities.

Seneca Tribe Miami University Model United Nations Conference XII April 6-7, 2019 Iroquois League The Seneca tribe, self-named “People of the Great Hill”, is the largest of the original five nations in the Iroquois League. The men of the Seneca tribe leave for hunting in the fall and returning in the winter and begin fishing the in spring. Seneca women cultivate corn and other agriculture. The eight clans of the Seneca tribe are divided into two groups; these are run my chiefs and a council of adult men. The Seneca are experienced fighters and would absorb towns as they conquered territories.

Regional Tribes

The Huron Tribe North of the Iroquois League is the Huron tribe. The French have a strong trading partner with the Huron tribe, trading pelts for weapons and manufactured goods. They are the center of a trade route with the French and native tribes further west. They are usually on opposing sides with the Iroquois and the influx of weapons from the French raises more concerns. They fought against the Iroquois League in the Beaver Wars.

The Tribe To the south of the Iroquois League is the Susquehannock tribe. They fought against the Iroquois League in the Beaver Wars, holding a particular grudge against the Cayuga. The Susquehannock have a larger population than the Iroquois and trade with all three major European powers in the region. They continue to expand west to maintain the demand for beaver pelts.

The Mahican Tribe On the eastern border of the Iroquois League is the Mahican. They fought against the Iroquois League in the Beaver Wars for control of fur trade lines with the Dutch and were defeated by the Mohawk in 1628. Iroquois and Dutch trade routes pass through Mahican land.

The Algonquins Miami University Model United Nations Conference XII April 6-7, 2019 Iroquois League The Algonquins are a nomadic group, coming in occasional contact with the Iroquois. At one point the Algonquins were larger and much stronger, but they are dwarfed by the combined strength of the Iroquois League.

Foreign Powers

The Dutch In 1609, a Dutch trading company sent Henry Hudson to search for a route to the Pacific. Fort Nassau was established as a trading post by the Dutch and did not colonize quickly. The Dutch were trading partners with the Iroquois and relied upon them for fine furs and pelts, which they sold for massive profit margins in Europe. For the furs, the Dutch offered guns and other manufactured goods. With the resources dwindling, the Dutch are looking to expand trade westward. The Dutch supplied the Iroquois with weapons during the Beaver Wars.

The French In 1534, Jacques Cartier was sent by King Francis I of France to find a path across the American continent. During this expedition Cartier came into contact with the Huron tribe, eventually establishing a settlement in modern-day Montreal around 1611. The French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, founded Quebec City in 1608 and began the groundwork for a booming fur trade for France. A trade and defense alliance was signed by the French and Huron in 1608. The French partnered with the Algonquins, Hurons and other tribes further west to exchange European goods for fur trades. The Iroquois fought against the French during the Beaver Wars.

The British The British are not heavily involved in the fur trade but are focused more in areas to the south of the Iroquois. They have been slowly moving north but may serve as a balancing force to the French.

Positions: Miami University Model United Nations Conference XII April 6-7, 2019 Iroquois League The positions listed below use historical and current names of leaders from the respective tribes. This was intended to respect the cultural identity tied through names; however, positions should be based on the description below, not the historical context of the position namesake.

Mohawk Representatives-9 : A representative from the Mohawk Bear Clan and renowned negotiator. He has ​ worked on treaties to unite the Iroquois John Smoke: A Mohawk Bear Clan Representative. John Smoke is a intelligence expert and ​ skilled scout. He has been exploring the neighboring tribes in the region. Hiawatha: A Mohawk Bear Clan Representative, skilled in compromise and alliance building. ​ King Hendrick: A Mohawk Wolf Clan Representative, closely aligned with the British ​ Sa Ga Yeath Qua Pieth Tow “ King of Maguas”: Mohawk Wolf Clan Representative, ​ relationship with the British has soured. Tehowaghwengaraghkwin “Peter Brant”: Mohawk Wolf Clan Representative; Peter Brant is ​ exploring trade routes with French. Etow Ch Koam “Nicholas”: Mohawk Turtle Clan Representative , a skilled fur trapper and his ​ Clan is one of the most profitable parts of the fur trade with the French Akiatonkharonkwen “Joseph Louis Clarke”: Mohawk Turtle Clan Representative tribe historian ​ and keeper of . Deserontyon “John Deseronto”: Mohawk Turtle Clan Representative , faithkeeper of the ​

Onondaga Representatives-10 : Onondaga Clan Chief, of the northern part of the Onondaga tribe. This area is ​ particularly reliant on fishing not agriculture. Canasatego: Spokesperson for the tribe; he speaks to both external people and the Iroquois ​ league on matters of concern to the Onondaga. Miami University Model United Nations Conference XII April 6-7, 2019 Iroquois League Tom Longboat: A Onondaga Clan Chief in a very fertile part of the Onondaga lands. Tom ​ Longboat is a younger Chief and has not experience the brutality of war, coming to lead during a time of peace. Great Wolf “Samuel George”: One of the elder Onondaga chiefs, Great Wolf is highly skeptical ​ of outside tribes as well as the encroaching European powers. : Faithkeeper for the . Oren serves as a religious leader for the tribe ​ and seeks to maintain peace and harmony. Tadadaho George Thomas: George Thomas is a revered war expert. He has fought and led in ​ battles against other tribes during the Beaver Wars. Tadadaho Leon Shenandoah Sr.: A skilled scout and later Chief, Leon Shenandoah Sr. crossed ​ across enemy lines frequency during conflict. Teyyawarunte: Teyyawarunte was born Mohawk but has been adopted into the Onondaga tribe. ​ A skilled fur trader, he has been seeking to expand further into new trade routes and partners. Hadenosaunee: Hadenosaunee is the representative of the Onondaga people and serves as ​ treasurer for the tribe. Chief Sharongyowanon: A highly respected chief and under his leadership, the tribe survived a ​ famine. This had contributed to his dedication to protecting the tribe even through extreme measures.

Seneca Representatives - 8 chiefs Red Jacket: A clan chief representative for the Seneca Tribe. Red Jacket leads the north west ​ area of the Seneca territory. He is also well-respected for his speeches and community building. : A Seneca Clan Chief in the north east territory of the Seneca Tribe. He is a ​ fierce hunter and works to continue the nomadic traditions of his ancestors. Corn Planter: A Seneca Clan Chief in the middle/north region of the Seneca territory. He was an ​ early advocated for the expansion of sedentary farming which has been a great success and led to population booms. Miami University Model United Nations Conference XII April 6-7, 2019 Iroquois League Little Beard: One of the military heroes of the Seneca tribe. Little Beard is a Clan Chief in the ​ central part of Seneca lands. There is limited access to waterways but there is a Dutch trade route through this part of the Seneca territory. Chief John Big Tree: Chief John Big Tree is a Seneca Clan Chief, a strong local leader who ​ opposed the Beaver Wars, which hurt the public perception of the strength of the Governor Blacksnake: Internal leader of the Seneca Tribe, he has become less active recently but ​ does still yield considerable influence on the politics within the tribe. Sayenqueraghta: Faithkeeper for the Seneca Tribe. Responsible for the communities’ faith. ​ Tanacharison: Historian for the Seneca Tribe and maintaining the language of the Seneca people ​

Oneida Representatives- 9 Polly Cooper: Oneida Clanmother, guides the chiefs in ensuring the wellness and support for the ​ entire tribe. Also fluent in french and english. Onangwatgo “ Cornelius Hill”: The most senior of the Clan Chiefs, represents the Northern area ​ closest to the French, and is completely distrusting of foreign powers and does not want to engage in negotiations of any kind. Hiawatha: The youngest of the Clan Chiefs, controls the Middlemost area, and is more willing to ​ negotiate and talk with foreign powers. Willaim Honyoust Rockwell: “Third in command,” controls the Southern area and is the ​ mediator between Hiawatha and Onangwatgo. Mary Winder: Oneida Clan Representative, skilled negotiator and scout, looking to help bring ​ together the Iroquois despite foreign intervention. Ray Halbritter: Oneida Clan Representative, has vast knowledge of war and other ​ Iroquois/foreign powers; is wary of foreign powers. Akonyoda Aquiotta: Oneida Clan peacekeeper and faithkeeper, helps to keep the peace between ​ members of the Oneida and other Iroquois. Thomas Canaghsadilo: Oneida Clan trader, has less of an influence in terms of decisions that ​ impact the Clan but can still help provide knowledge and peacekeeping efforts for the Clan. Miami University Model United Nations Conference XII April 6-7, 2019 Iroquois League Conoquhieson: New to the political side of Clan affairs, is in the process of learning about the ​ history and current affairs of the Iroquois and foreign powers, and as such doesn’t have much political pull. However, is much more willing to learn and compromise with foreign powers.

Cayuga Representatives- 8 chiefs Steel Trap: Cayuga Clan Chief, the most senior of the Chiefs, and controls the Middlemost area ​ of the tribal lands. Fish Carrier: Cayuga Clan Chief of the northern part of the Cayuga lands. This area relies almost ​ exclusively on fishing and a possible water trade route to the French. Clear Sky: Cayuga Clan Chief of the southern part of the Cayuga lands, and is less willing to ​ negotiate with foreign powers. Has vast knowledge of the other Iroquois. Deskaheh “Levi General”: Cayuga general, highly experienced in war and has fought in multiple ​ over his years as Chief. Ourehouare: Cayuga, skilled negotiator and wants to work with the French towards establishing ​ a trade route near Lake . Clint Halftown: Born as part of the Seneca, but raised as part of the Cayuga. Helped establish ​ peaceful relations between the Seneca and Cayuga. Tim Twoguns: Cayugan who has a vast knowledge of culture, especially weapons, of foreign ​ powers. Michael Barringer: Cayuga who is able to speak English and has knowledge of the British ​ specifically, who are also looking to negotiate with the Cayuga.

Miami University Model United Nations Conference XII April 6-7, 2019 Iroquois League

Map of the Iroquois League

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mohawk https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cayuga-people https://www.britannica.com/topic/Onondaga-people https://www.britannica.com/topic/Oneida-people