Native American Flags: Haudenosaunee Tribe

Honor the unity, diplomacy, and enduring legacy of the Haudenosaunee with our curated collection of flags and cultural symbols. This page is dedicated to celebrating the powerful traditions, governance, and identity of the Six Nations Confederacy through historically grounded representations and visual emblems.

The Haudenosaunee: The People of the Longhouse

The Haudenosaunee, often referred to as the Iroquois Confederacy, are one of the oldest participatory democracies in the world. The name “Haudenosaunee” means “People of the Longhouse,” reflecting both their traditional dwellings and their political unity. The Confederacy originally included five nations:

  • Mohawk (Kanienʼkehá꞉ka) – Keepers of the Eastern Door
  • Oneida (Onyota’a:ka) – People of the Standing Stone
  • Onondaga (Onöñda’gaga’) – Keepers of the Central Fire
  • Cayuga (Guyohkohnyo) – People of the Great Swamp
  • Seneca (Onödowáʼga:) – Keepers of the Western Door

Later, a sixth nation, the Tuscarora (Ska-Ruh-Reh), joined in the early 18th century, forming the modern Six Nations Confederacy.

The Haudenosaunee are known for their sophisticated system of governance guided by the Great Law of Peace, a constitution that has influenced democratic thought worldwide, including the formation of the U.S. Constitution. Their way of life emphasizes balance, consensus, stewardship of the Earth, and respect for generations past and future.

Haudenosaunee Flag: Symbolism and Design

The Haudenosaunee flag is a modern representation of an ancient alliance. It features a deep purple field with a chain of white symbols stretching horizontally from left to right. Each shape stands for one of the original five nations of the Confederacy:

  • The central tree represents the Onondaga Nation, where the Great Council Fire was established.

  • The four squares—two on each side—symbolize the Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca Nations.

  • The open-ended design signifies peace extending outward, welcoming others to join in harmony.

The color purple is derived from wampum belts, specifically the Hiawatha Belt, which visually records the formation of the Confederacy.

This flag is not only a symbol of unity—it carries the spiritual and legal foundations of the Haudenosaunee. It’s used in international diplomacy, protests, ceremonial gatherings, and educational initiatives to represent sovereignty, peace, and enduring identity.

Haudenosaunee in the Present Day

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy remains a vital political, cultural, and spiritual force. While the original territory encompassed large parts of what is now New York State and Ontario, Haudenosaunee nations continue to govern their communities, uphold their languages, and assert their rights under the Great Law of Peace.

Active councils and clan systems guide decision-making, and the Confederacy is internationally recognized in matters of Indigenous diplomacy, environmental stewardship, and human rights.

The Haudenosaunee flag is frequently seen at key events such as Traditional lacrosse games (a sport with sacred origins among the Haudenosaunee)

Additional Facts and Cultural Protocols

  • Wampum Belts: The original symbols on the flag are inspired by the Hiawatha Belt, made from shell beads woven into patterns to record treaties, laws, and historical events.

  • Clan System: Each Haudenosaunee member belongs to a matrilineal clan (Bear, Turtle, Wolf, etc.), and this structure guides social order, leadership, and ceremonial responsibilities.

  • Flag Display: The Haudenosaunee flag is often flown alongside national and state flags, but always retains its own position of respect. Its use is both political and ceremonial.

  • Sovereignty: The Confederacy issues its own passports, governs its internal affairs, and maintains its own environmental protocols and cultural mandates.

  • Global Recognition: The Haudenosaunee have fielded their own national teams (e.g., in lacrosse) and participated in international diplomacy under their own flag and name.