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Native American Legends: Godasiyo (Woman Chief)
Name: Godasiyo
Tribal affiliation: Seneca,
Tuscarora
Alternate spellings: Go-Da-Si-Yo
Pronunciation: go-dah-see-yo
Also known as: Woman Chief
Type: Native American chief,
legendary woman
In Seneca and Tuscarora mythology, Godasiyo was the original leader of the Iroquois people, until quarreling
factions caused them to split into different tribes. Their lack of cooperation ultimately caused Godasiyo's
departure (in some versions she is killed, while in others, she is so displeased by her people's infighting that
she turns into a fish and leaves.)
Without Godasiyo, the different Iroquois tribes ceased to be able to understand each other's languages.
According to legend, the tribes remained hostile
to each other until Hiawatha and the
Peacemaker reunited them
many generations later.
Godasiyo Stories
Godasiyo the Woman Chief 
Tribes of Many Languages:
Seneca legends about the legendary female Iroquois chief.
Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links
Skunny Wundy: Seneca Indian Tales:
Book of Seneca legends and folktales.
Sky Woman: Legends of the Iroquois:
Wonderful illustrated collection of Iroquois Indian legends, by Oneida and Mohawk authors.
Seneca Myths and Folk Tales:
Classic collection of Seneca Indian legends.
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Additional Resources
Iroquois Indian mythology
Iroquois Confederacy
Iroquoian languages
Tuscarora tribe
Seneca tribe
New York State Native Americans
Eastern Woodlands tribes
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