Simply put the Great Law of Peace (180kb/2sec)
is the founding constitution of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and is the underlying basis for Haudenosaunee society. Originally it outlined the path to harmony and unity among the warring nations and set out a proper form of government which allowed for the ideas of peace (124kb/1sec), power and righteousness. Throughout its verses it explains the function of the Grand Council and outlines a plan for nations to resolve disputes and uphold the peace. It outlines all processes which may face the Haudenosaunee as explained by the Peacemaker. Leadership within the system is from the ground up making the leaders truly accountable to their people. It outlines the responsibilities of all Chiefs as well as the method of impeachment in the event that a Chief does not perform his duties to the satisfaction of his people.
Within the text it also highlights many of the symbols of the Haudenosaunee including the Great Tree of Peace (227kb/2sec)
. As a symbol of peace all the Chiefs stand around it in a circle, arms linked, to support it and prevent it from falling over. Atop the tree sits an eagle to see far and wide and warn of danger. Because Haudenosaunee history is an oral history there have been many versions of the Great Law written. It is shared from generation to generation through oral tradition using a series of wampum belts, held by the confederacy, to help to share the story. No one version of the Great Law is preferred over another as all the same themes still exist to emphasize its main principles.