The Kanien'kehá:ka are a matrilineal society, transferring identity through the mother's linage. This extended family is called a clan. The Kanien'kehá:ka have three clans - the Turtle Clan, Wolf Clan, and Bear Clan. Family names and clans are passed down from mother to child. Amongst the Haudenosaunee nations there are eight clans: Turtle, Wolf, Beaver, Hawk, Eel, Deer , Bear, and Snipe clans. The Kanien'kehá:ka themselves have three clans: Turtle, Wolf, and Bear.