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The Great Peace Before the arrival of the Europeans, an unending series of wars and feuds among the Iroquois nations nearly destroyed their civilization. A visionary Huron named Deganawida appeared in Iroquois territory with a message of peace--thirteen laws that promoted peace without violence. An Onondaga man named Hiawatha became a strong supporter of the "Peace Maker." Hiawatha, a great orator, traveled to the other nations and submitted the plan for their consent. A Mohawk woman was the first person to approve the plan. Her actions symbolized the importance of women to the Iroquois political process. The Iroquois chiefs subsequently approved the plan. Only the Onondaga chief Thadodaho stood in opposition. Hiawatha explained his vision and finally won Thadodaho's approval--with one concession. Thadodaho said he would join only if he would be considered "first among equals." To show respect for the reluctant chief, meetings of the Iroquois Confederacy were always held in the principal Onondaga village, and the Onondaga chief served as the Council Leader.
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