What are the primary responsibilities of clan mothers?

• A. Major decisions for their clan; give names to people in the clans; nominate male leader; ensure everyone is healthy and fed.
• B. Only ceremonial duties.
• C. Leading military campaigns.
• D. Managing trade agreements.

Answer: (A)

In Haudenosaunee society, clan mothers hold real political authority within each clan. They influence leadership by selecting and, if needed, removing the male leaders who serve on the council. They also oversee naming and membership, deciding who is part of the clan and performing naming ceremonies for new or existing members. Beyond these roles, they watch over the welfare of the clan, helping ensure people are fed and cared for. Because this combination of governance, membership, and welfare best captures what clan mothers actively do, that description fits most closely. Ceremonial duties, leading military campaigns, or negotiating trade are not their primary functions.