Marie of the Incarnation

But this is a rare exception for the rights of women in the era.

A French nun named Marie Guyart wrote of her experiences in Canada in 1654, marveling at the powerful role of the women in the Iroquois society.

She noted, "Female chieftains have a deciding vote in the councils.

They make decisions there like their male counterparts." She was further impressed that these same women were even the first ambassadors to discuss peace when negotiations were required.