The Hoyaneh are basically the chiefs that the clan mothers advised in Iroquois society. They still do. For more info, I suggest you visit:
http://www.nelson.com/albertasocialstudies/productinfo/gr6_9/documents/abss6ch4draft.pdf
The Hoyaneh is chosen by the Clan mother and represent his clan
the 'hoyaneh" or today, 'chief'
By the clan mothers to represent their clan
The onandaga have 14 hoyaney in their tribe
The role of the elders in the Iroquois confederacy was to make smaller decision's then the Great Council. Also the elder has the power to over throw a chief if he or she doesn't believe they are doing a good job.
Okay the Structure of Iroquois society was very strong even children listened to the meetings because they soon would be in the grand councils, clan mothers were usually the oldest and wisest woman in their nation or clan, the clan mothers choose a hoyaneh to speak at the councils , every person gets a chance to speak and be heard, clan mothers had a very strong influence on the whole nation or clan, nobody was left out. I hope this helped you