I would like to take a moment to share my perspective on a key aspect of governance in the United States, particularly the legal structures that shape our government.

In the United States, we are often told that we live in a democracy—a system of government in which power is vested in the people, either directly or through elected representatives. This definition, drawn from Merriam-Webster and the Oxford Dictionary, reflects an ideal. However, the historical reality of U.S. democracy tells a more complex story.

From its inception, American democracy has been exclusionary. Many of us who have studied U.S. history recognize that when the country’s founders spoke of “government by the people,” significant portions of the population—Black people, women, and others—were not considered part of that “people.” While there are aspects of our current democratic system worth preserving, structural challenges remain. As we observe ongoing administrative actions, it is crucial to acknowledge that while the U.S. government was designed to be a representative democracy with multiple parties, the reality has often fallen short of that ideal.

At present, in 2025, we are witnessing a shift towards an oligarchy—a system of government in which power is concentrated in the hands of a few, often wielded for corrupt or self-serving purposes. The Britannica Dictionary defines oligarchy as rule by a small and privileged group, often at the expense of broader democratic participation. This shift, characterized by authoritarian decision-making and administrative overreach, disrupts democratic processes and creates a sense of instability. The challenge for the public is not only to recognize this transition but also to determine an effective response.

In contrast, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy represents a different model of governance. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, founded on the Great Law of Peace, served as a foundational influence on the U.S. Constitution, though its principles were significantly altered in the final drafting. The Great Law of Peace embodies values such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and—importantly—the political participation of women. It also incorporates a structured system of checks and balances, ensuring power is not concentrated in any one entity. This governance model, highlighted in A Basic Call to Consciousness (originally published in the 1970s by Haudenosaunee scholars), remains relevant today.

These three systems—democracy, oligarchy, and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy—illustrate distinct approaches to political organization. Oligarchy, as we currently see it unfolding, represents a concentration of power that undermines broader participation. American democracy, though intended as a representative system, has historically failed to include all people. Meanwhile, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, far from being a relic of the past, continues to operate and uphold principles of governance that emphasize collective well-being and balanced leadership.

As we consider the challenges ahead, I pose this question: What will we choose to stand for? 

Whether as matriarchs, emerging leaders, or engaged citizens, we must reflect on our individual roles and our collective responsibility. From my perspective, parts of our democracy must evolve. While I do not agree with the methods currently being used to enact change, I do believe in the necessity of a democracy built upon life-affirming values that truly represent all Peoples. Alternative governance structures exist, and viable pathways for transformation remain open—including international frameworks such as those established by the United Nations.

I invite you to reflect on these questions: What do you personally stand for? And, just as importantly, what do we stand for together?

That is my message for today.