Iroquois

Spirituality and Healing

The Creator is known as the Great Spirit who created the physical world and rules celestial and human beings. Traditional teachings of how the world was created center around the Skywoman, named Aientsik, a descendent from the heavens, who was the first to walk on the earth. Aientsik gave birth to a daughter named Tekawerahkwa. Tekawerahkwa gave birth to twins, Tawiskaron and Okwiraseh. Tawiskaron was a jealous sibling who could not live up to the magnificence of his brother. He created elements within the natural world, including raging rivers, rapids, and vicious animals. His brother Okwiraseh created all that is pure and beautiful. The legend continues to explain that when the two met in battle, Okwiraseh defeated his brother Tawiskaron. As a result of his [Page 1329]defeat, Tawiskaron was confined to the dark areas of the world and governs the night, including all of the destructive creatures.

Messengers from the spirit world explained and demonstrated techniques in which the Iroquois people were able to properly honor and give thanks to the Creator. They shared moral teachings and specific rituals that formed the basis of religious practices and beliefs. Music and dance were included in ceremonies and were believed to be a means of preserving the human–earth relationship. As time went by, the teachings faded, and the Iroquois became a fearful and violent people. When suffering and hopelessness were felt by most Iroquois people, a prophet was sent from the Creator. His name was Skennenrahawi, also known as “the Peacemaker.” The purpose of the Peacemaker was to restore hope, heart, and happiness among the Iroquois. He was to create peace among the Iroquois tribes and reform their way of life by creating a League of Iroquois nations, which would be strengthened by their unity. As the Peacemaker traveled from village to village, he brought with him a set of rules known as the “Great Laws of Peace,” which were meant to be guidelines for all Iroquois. Skennenrahawi met a woman named Jikonsasay, who helped spread his teachings. Because Jikonsasay played a vital role in reaching a number of Iroquois, Skennenrahawi decided that women should be involved in the social and political decisions within the clans. Therefore, it was decided that not only would women openly participate socially and politically within their communities, but they would also choose which male leaders would be appropriate as clan leaders. Another individual often referred to as one of the Peacemaker's second disciples was a man named Aiionwatha, also known as Hiawatha. Aiionwatha was skilled in articulating the Peacemaker's messages by creating powerful prayers. He also found productive ways in which to physically express the messages to the Iroquois nations. The Peacemaker, along with his two main disciples, Jikonasasay and Aiionwatha, created peace among five Iroquois Nations, known today as the Grand Council and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

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