Statements made on this site are based on many decades of research both from written sources and oral sources. The oral information has been documented over the years from Haudenosaunee some of whom have passed on. It is important to note that Zig Misiak is in constant contact and dialogue with Haudenosaunee and others on a daily basis and every effort is made to keep an open mind concerning every aspect of their history and culture. Having a "Good Mind" results in unbiased and accurate information being presented not only on this web but through his lectures/workshops.

As no images of Brant exist prior to1775 Scott Paterson created possible likeness of Brant as a teen.

Not a sanctioned Royanni (Chief) in the Confederacy Brant did have the title of captain which was given to him by the British during the American Rebellion of 1775 - 1783.

Not without controversy he is touted as being a steadfast defender of the Haudenosaunee (the longhouse builders) well as a man with "divided loyalties" creating situations that are contestable today.

Items belonging to Joseph Brant (courtesy Royal Ontario Museum, Canada)

The Six Nations, as we commonly know them, were known as Onkwehon:we, the "Real People" before the coming of the Peacemaker. The Peacemaker after getting the original five nations agreeing to the Great Peace said that they would be now called the Haudenosaunee, people of the extended lodge or home.

One of the settlements of the Six Nations is called Six Nations along the Grand River Territory.

Many refer to the Six Nations as the Five Nations as the Tuscarora were brought under the leagues protection early in the 18th century. The Tuscarora have a voice in council but only through the Cayuga and Oneida.

The Haldimand tract is in fact a strip of land along the Grand River that should be referred to as the Haldimand Proclamation. It is neither a treaty nor a deed.

Haudenosaunee life was based on a matriarchal society which had been tampered with over the past several centuries damaging its overall effectiveness. The Clan Mothers are certainly in existence today with a strong move to re-establish their position in the resurgence of the traditional culture.

The Haudenosaunee (Six Nations) have not been responsible for breaking any treaties what so ever with their British allies since the 18th century.

Today the Haudenosaunee have 9 basic clans, (Turtle, Bear, Snipe, Eel, Heron, Beaver, Hawk, Wolf, Deer). There are others for example the Turtle Clans has, Painted Turtle, Spotted Turtle.

The Haudenosaunee celebrate "Thanksgiving" every day. They have always maintained their role as caretakers of "Mother Earth" on behalf of their Creator.

Warriors did much more than fight. A stereotypical description is painted men yelling and screaming with raised tomahawks. Warriors had very important roles as "peace keepers" as they made sure that the "Great Peace" was adhered to. They often became the liaison between the Clan Mothers and the Royanni around council be it the Clan Council or the Grand Council of all Nations. They kept "their" politicians honest and could depose them through the direction of the Clan Mothers immediately.

Wampum belts were in the thousands as not only did the Haudenosaunee present them during councils be it all Native or non and the British, for example, were also known for making wampum passing them to their allies the Haudenosaunee. Absolutely not currency as we know it the value of them changed slightly from spiritual/political to having monetary value when the Europeans started to mass produce them.

In the Haudenosaunee story of creation they knew of our existence as the Creator had been responsible for making the "Red, white, black and yellow" races. They also knew that trouble was in the works when Europeans were predicted to contact with them.

Turtle Island is in fact more than just North America. At one time it was one land mass as the "Sky Woman" fell on one turtles back which expanded and eventually divided into other land masses as humanities needs were met by the Creator. Haudenosaunee, Six Nations, Iroquois, in spite of residential schools, disease, broken treaties and promises are making huge advance. Over the last 1/2 century lawyers, doctors, educators, politicians, and many many other professionals and other valuable trades people have been created through their undying focus on surviving, thriving and regaining their humanness. World wide there are 270 million Indigenous Peoples in about 79 countries that are breaking the yoke of colonialism and attempted genocide. Much more needs to be done with the hope that in "seven generations" it will show that equity, fairness and justice has been done for all.