Religion of the Six Nation Tribes

The Six Nations have distinct religious practices, characterized by their council houses where both Christian and pagan ceremonies occur. The Christian population is notably concentrated along central roads in various reservations, with several churches reflecting differing denominations. Pagan traditions persist alongside new religious movements, particularly influenced by Handsome Lake’s teachings. The spiritual life of the Six Nations is marked by communal dances and rituals, emphasizing gratitude to the Great Spirit while simultaneously confronting the social and political implications of their faiths.

Cornplanter Reservation and Occupants, 1890

The Cornplanter Reservation, located in Warren County, Pennsylvania, comprises 640 acres along the Allegheny River and was granted to Chief Cornplanter in 1796 for his services to settlers. The land is currently owned by his descendants, with a recorded partition in 1871. Notably, it includes Liberty and Donation Islands and is home to various Seneca families whose surnames are prominent in the region today. The original town name was Ju-ni-sas ha-da-ga, and the reservation reflects the legacy of Cornplanter and his heirs.

Reservations of the Six Nations in New York and Pennsylvania, 1723-1890

Map of the Country of the Five Nations

In 1771, Governor William Tryon prepared a map delineating the recognized boundaries of the Six Nations, later referenced by Lewis H. Morgan in 1851 to depict the villages and trails of the Five Nations. By 1890, the Oneida and Cayuga tribes had lost their ancestral lands in New York, retaining only small remnants. Various treaties led to significant land reductions for the Oneidas. The Six Nations’ reservations were organized under New York law, reflecting both traditional customs and modern governance challenges faced by their communities.