Our Vision
The White Pine Republic stands as an Indigenous nation resolute in re-establishing its inherent sovereignty and securing its rightful place within the global community. Our foundational principles include achieving full international recognition, enabling us to govern ourselves, forge robust bilateral relations, and honor the treaties that define and re-establish our nations. Rooted deeply in sacred traditions such as the George Washington Belt, Two Row Wampum, and Dish With One Spoon, we affirm our absolute territorial integrity—the right to control and defend our borders free from external interference. Central to our vision is complete legal autonomy, ensuring our laws and systems are supreme within our jurisdiction, independent of the United States or Canada. We are building a future where our self-determination is fully realized and respected.
the circle wampum
The Circle Wampum serves as the foundational code of ethics for the White Pine Republic, symbolizing the core principles that guide its government and people. Unlike a linear treaty belt, the circular form of this Wampum represents the unity, equality, and unbreakable bond among all members of the nation.
How it Functions as a Code of Ethics:
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Unity and Non-Hierarchy: The circular shape signifies that there is no beginning or end, and no one person or group stands above another. It embodies the principle that all members of the Republic are equal, and decisions are made for the collective good, not for individual gain. This ensures that every voice is respected and heard, from the government's leadership to every citizen.
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Shared Responsibility: The interconnectedness of the beads within the circle represents the shared responsibility of every member to uphold the integrity of the Republic. It is a reminder that the actions of one affect the entire community, fostering a culture of accountability and mutual support.
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Perpetual Harmony: The continuous loop of the circle symbolizes the perpetual nature of the Republic’s commitment to peace and harmony, both internally and in its relations with other nations. It guides interactions with a spirit of respect and a desire for peaceful coexistence, creating a framework for diplomacy and justice that endures through generations.
In essence, the Circle Wampum is a living symbol that enshrines the values of equality, unity, and shared destiny, serving as a constant reminder of the ethical framework that defines the White Pine Republic.
relations with other nations
The Great Law of Peace provides a clear framework for how the Confederacy interacts with individuals and nations outside the confederacy.
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Welcoming Foreign Nations: If a nation or individual outside the Confederacy agrees to obey the laws of the Great Peace and their intentions are known to the Chiefs, they can be welcomed to take shelter under the Tree of the Great Long Leaves. Their minds must be "clean" and they must promise to obey the wishes of the Confederate Council.
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Council Fire Visibility: The smoke from the Council Fire ascends to the sky so that other allied nations can see it, symbolizing the visibility and openness of the Great Peace.
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Adoption: Foreign individuals or families can be adopted into a clan of one of the Nations by presenting a string of shells as a pledge. The Lords of the nation must consider and confirm the proposal.
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Temporary Admission: Any alien nation or individual admitted to the Five Nations is on a temporary basis. If they cause harm or endanger the peace, they can be reprimanded by a War Chief and, if the offense is repeated, expelled from the territory.
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Refugees: When a member of an alien nation seeks refuge, the chief of the host nation can extend hospitality and make them a member. They will receive equal rights and privileges, with some exceptions.
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War as a Last Resort: War is considered a way to establish the Great Peace if an outside nation refuses to accept it. If a nation is obstinate and refuses peace, the Nation will conquer them to establish peace.
gathering our men
War Chiefs and Warriors still active today.
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Role and Selection: Each of the five nations has one War Chief. The War Chiefs are selected from the eligible sons of the female families who hold the head Lordship titles. Their title is hereditary, passed down through the female line.
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Duties: The primary duties of War Chiefs are to carry messages for their Roiahne and to "take up the arms of war in case of emergency". They are responsible for conveying messages and propositions from the people to the Confederate Council. They also watch the council's progress and can receive complaints from the people to warn a Roiahne who is acting erroneously.
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Council Participation: War Chiefs do not participate in the proceedings of the Grand Council. However, if the Roiahne refuse to heed a third warning from the people, the War Chiefs have the authority to enter the council and warn them to return to the Great Law. If the Roiahne still refuse, the War Chiefs can declare their seats vacant and depose them.
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Deposition: A War Chief can be deposed if they act contrary to instructions or the laws of the Great Peace. The women and men relatives of the War Chief can act jointly or alone to depose them. The Iakoiahne will then choose another candidate.
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Dual Authority: Skanawatih is a unique figure with a double office, holding both a Roiahne title and the title of War Chief.
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War Protocol: When the Confederate Council decides to establish peace with an outside nation that refuses, it is considered a declaration of war. Skanawatih notifies the five War Chiefs to prepare their men for battle. One of the War Chiefs is chosen to lead the army. The chosen War Chief delivers an oration to the warriors, emphasizing good behavior, obedience, and courage. He then begins the War Song, which seeks strength from the Creator.
the grand council and our stance and restructuring the Iroquois confederacy
My brothers and sisters, we stand today on the land of our ancestors, under the watchful eye of the eagle atop the Tree of Great Peace. Our roots, the Great White Roots, spread in every direction, a symbol of the peace and strength that await those who return. The Great Law of Peace is an evergreen guide, meant to endure and offer shelter to all who seek it with a clean mind and a spirit of obedience.
The left and right twin made us of one blood and the same soil, and established our territories and boundary lines. He intended for us to be a united people, and our Great Law, which is our constitution, binds us together as the Kanonsonnionwe, the Iroquois Confederacy.
To those who have strayed and submitted to the laws of foreign peoples, our tradition calls you "Tehonatonkoton"—"They have alienated themselves". The Great Law states that by such an act, one forfeits all birthrights and claims to the territory of the League. But the path back is clear. It requires a re-naming ceremony, a pledge of allegiance, and the re-acceptance of the Great Law.
When an individual or a nation realizes their error, the Great Law provides a path for reinstatement. The War Chiefs and the Warrior Society are charged with the protection, defense, and welfare of our people, and their duties include diplomatic relations and the repossession of lost lands.
The Great Law teaches us that the soil of the earth is the property of the Onkwehonwe, the original beings who inhabit it. Our ancestors did not bury the hatchet with all their enemies, but they did bury it among themselves. They buried their weapons of war under the Tree of Peace, so they would never fight and kill each other again.
This is the law that can lead our people home. Let us come together as the Six Nations, united and enfolded together, to labor, legislate, and council for the interest of future generations. Let us return to the Great Law, which is right and just, and have in view not only the present, but also the coming generations—even those whose faces are yet beneath the surface of the ground. The Great Peace is the path to our restoration.
Community Voices
“The White Pine Republic's dedication to preserving Indigenous culture is truly commendable.”
Evelyn
“I have witnessed the positive impact of The White Pine Republic's efforts to protect our ancestral lands.”
Nathan
“The work The White Pine Republic does for Indigenous rights is inspiring and crucial for our future.”
Cassandra
Connect with Us
Feel free to reach out to us for inquiries or to learn more about our initiatives in cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment.
