There is an Iroquois legend about hunters who tracked and pursued the Great Bear all through Spring and Summer. When they finally killed it in Autumn, its shed blood turned the leaves red and orange. Each year the Bear comes back to life again in the Spring and they start over, as illustrated in the constellation Ursa Major rising in the Spring and falling below the horizon for Winter.


The Hoyaneh in Iroquois culture, is the chief or "Caretaker of Peace," appointed by the Oianer, Clan Mother.

Oianer in Iroquois culture, is the Clan Mother (the matriarch or oldest woman) who appoints the Hoyaneh, the chief or "Caretaker of Peace." This responsibility passes down through her line.