How many tribes originally comprised the Iroquois Confederacy?

The Iroquois Confederacy originally comprised five tribes, which were the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca. This alliance was formed for mutual defense, economic prosperity, and social cohesion, and it became a significant force in the region. Each tribe brought its unique contributions to the confederacy, and together they established a sophisticated political system that influenced the governance of other nations. Over time, a sixth tribe, the Tuscarora, joined the confederacy, but the original foundation relied on the unity of the five tribes. Thus, recognizing five tribes as the original members accurately reflects the historical formation of the Iroquois Confederacy.