Yakoyaner
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy is centred on matrilineal organization, meaning that Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) kinship grow from the female line.
However, to maintain stability in most families, the Yakoyaner herself chooses the successor, typically a daughter, and trains them in the required duties and knowledge.
Suppose a clan mother is not fulfilling her responsibilities; her female family member will present warnings, but if she does not heed or feel remorseful, the matter of removal is voiced to the chief to be confirmed.
[12] In times of war, Yakoyaners were allowed to integrate prisoners or refugees into their family systems to replace deceased relatives–to expand the territory and population and fulfill roles within the community.
Women had domain over the gardens and were the economic source of their community, and thus preparing meals for the council was a reminder of their monetary authority.
Most importantly, like the chief, the Yakoyaners also serve as mentors to provide harmony by counseling families and ensuring the children are safe and healthy.
[10]The yakoyaner telling the Creation Story with this intention encultures individuals into Haudenosaunee customs and values, ensuring they are passed along to the next generation.
European and Haudenosaunee sources have indicated that while diplomacy was primarily the domain of men, yakoyaners were often partially responsible for declarations of war.
The Yakoyaners play a crucial role in the administration of the Confederacy since they choose and supervise the clan chiefs who sit on the Grand Council.
Each of the Kanien'kehá:ka Yakoyaners "have the most influence[9]" in selecting the chiefs who will represent the clan in the Grand Council of the Haudenosaunee.
During land and treaty negotiations, Yakoyaners often travelled with rotiyaneson and served as mediators or appointed a male speaker to represent them.
In diplomatic settings, British officials including Sir William Johnson reported the influence of yakoyaners and strove to win their favor.
