All the other chiefs and tribes have accepted the Great Law of

In the words of Hiawatha, "All the other chiefs and tribes have accepted the Great Law of Peace. They now live in peace with one another." These words, spoken by the legendary leader of the Iroquois Confederacy, carry the wisdom of an ancient people who understood the power of unity and the deep, often difficult, process of reconciliation. The Great Law of Peace was not just a set of rules, but a profound philosophy—a guiding light that brought together diverse tribes, each with its own history, beliefs, and ambitions, to live in harmony. In these simple words, Hiawatha captures the essence of what it means to build a lasting peace—a peace that transcends division and creates a foundation for future generations.

The Great Law of Peace was an agreement born out of bloodshed, hardship, and a shared desire to end the cycles of war that had plagued the Iroquois people for generations. It was, in many ways, a miracle of diplomacy, a shining example of what can happen when people, despite their differences, choose unity over division. The law was not merely an agreement of non-aggression; it was a deep commitment to respect, cooperation, and the shared welfare of all. It demanded not just the cessation of hostilities, but a new way of life, one where the well-being of the collective took precedence over the desires of the individual or the tribe. In this way, the Great Law of Peace was an act of profound wisdom—a vision of what humanity could be when guided by honor, respect, and a commitment to peace.

Consider the story of the Five Nations of the Iroquois, who were once bitter enemies, constantly fighting over territory, resources, and power. It was only through the leadership of figures like Hiawatha and The Great Peacemaker that these tribes were brought together under the banner of peace. Their decision to unite was not a simple one. It required the sacrifice of old grudges, the setting aside of long-held fears and resentments, and the willingness to trust one another in ways that had never been done before. This unity, built on the principles of the Great Law of Peace, allowed them to form a confederacy that not only survived but thrived for centuries, becoming one of the most influential native alliances in North America. It is a testament to the power of peaceful cooperation, where, despite differences, the common good prevailed.

In the context of Hiawatha's words, the Great Law of Peace was not just a political agreement—it was a transformation of the human spirit. It was the realization that true strength lies not in the ability to conquer or defeat one's enemies, but in the ability to forgive, to understand, and to build something greater together. This is a timeless lesson that transcends cultures, for peace is not merely the absence of war but the active creation of something better. It is the quiet wisdom of humility, the courage to admit that no one tribe, no one person, can achieve greatness alone. True greatness is found when people come together, each contributing their strengths and talents, to create a world that is greater than the sum of its parts.

In the history of the world, there have been few examples as powerful as the Iroquois Confederacy in showing what is possible when people choose peace over violence. One could look to Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement, which sought to free India from British rule without resorting to violence. Gandhi’s leadership was rooted in the principle of non-violence, believing that only through peaceful resistance could the people of India achieve true freedom. Just as Hiawatha and his people chose cooperation over conflict, Gandhi’s movement was built on the foundation of truth and peace. Both examples show us that lasting change requires more than just the cessation of violence—it requires a commitment to unity, respect, and the willingness to build a new way of living together.

The lesson we take from Hiawatha’s words is profound. It teaches us that true peace is not easily won. It requires effort, sacrifice, and most importantly, a shared commitment to something greater than individual desires. In our own lives, whether on a personal, familial, or societal level, we must understand that unity is the key to overcoming the forces that divide us. We must learn to forgive, to listen, and to seek common ground, even with those who seem most different from ourselves. Like the tribes of the Iroquois, we must set aside old grudges and work together for the common good. True peace is not just a fleeting moment of calm; it is a way of life, a commitment to understanding, and the constant work of building bridges rather than walls.

In our journey forward, let us follow the wisdom of Hiawatha and the Iroquois people. Let us take to heart the Great Law of Peace, understanding that in every moment, we have the choice to create unity over division, to forgive where there has been wrong, and to build where there has been destruction. Peace is a path that requires effort, patience, and wisdom, but it is the path that will lead to a brighter future, one where all tribes, all peoples, can live together in harmony and respect. Let peace be the foundation upon which we build our future, and let us work to create a world where, like the Iroquois, we can say that all peoples have accepted the Great Law of Peace.