Overview

Overview

In the 1600's, when an Iroquois nation wished to convene a council, it sent a runner to the next nearest nation. That nation, in turn, sent a runner to the next nearest nation, until all nations had been notified. Councils met at the wishes of the nations of the federation, rather than at regularly scheduled times. Any nation could summon the council. The convening nation then served as host.

At the time of this imaginary council, the Iroquois faced fierce opposition from French colonists and their Indian allies in what are now Ontario and Quebec, Canada.

In 1700, the Iroquois approached Governor Louis-Hecter de Callière of New France with a peace plan authored chiefly by Tenganissorens, a highly respected Onondaga political leader and a noted orator. The governor agreed to the plan, which also included an agreement with France's Indian allies. As a result of the treaty, the Iroquois were able to expand their hunting territory and their commercial activities with the French and other Indian groups.