Exploring Iroquois Culture in Joseph Bruchac’s Peacemaker: A Framework for Ethical Decision-Making Rooted in Core Character Value

Abstract

Ethical decision-making is deeply intertwined with the foundational cultural values that articulate and embody core character virtues. These values find expression through moral and virtuous principles, shaped by social and cultural constructs, thereby guiding community behaviour. In the realm of environmental ethics, culture significantly influences the placement of the non-human world within various spectra, be it at the pinnacle, bottom, or as equals. Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, and caring, the core character values, are intrinsically linked to where the non-human world stands in this context. Joseph Bruchac, a revered Native American author, revisits the historical genesis of the Iroquois confederacy, shedding light on the intricate relationship between the human and non-human worlds in his novel, Peacemaker. This paper delves into comprehending the Iroquois culture as a foundation for ethical decision-making, with a specific focus on core character values such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, and caring.