Database: Iakotiiá:ner – Clanmothers

Iakotiiá:ner (plural), Iakoiá:ner (singular) is generally translated as Clanmothers. A Clanmother is female leader of her clan family. Aside from her social and spiritual roles, a Clanmother is politically responsible for selecting a Chief who would represent her clan family. She watches for potential candidates from the time these men were boys, looking for the special qualities and merit needed for this position of leadership - grooming them along the way. It has been said that Haudenasaunee leaders are not born, they are cultivated.

A Clanmother is installed for life and is only released on account of merit, sickness, or death.