Which statement about the Haudenosaunee Confederacy is true?

• A. It is composed of six tribes
• B. It is composed of five tribes
• C. It is composed of four tribes
• D. It is not a confederacy

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that the Haudenosaunee Confederacy is a union of nations, not a single tribe, and its membership grew to six nations over time. Historically, five nations formed the Confederacy first—the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca. Later, the Tuscarora joined, bringing the total to six. That’s why the statement saying it is composed of six tribes is the accurate one, and it’s also why you’ll hear it referred to as the Six Nations. The other options don’t fit because they either reflect the earlier five-nation period, imply there isn’t a confederacy, or cite an incorrect number.