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Since our exchange on this blog, I've been doing a little research on the geological history of NY State. I got distracted by reading about pre-European civilizations and came across a description of the Lenape, which had a matrilineal social organization. See:
Family, Women, and Children and Gender Roles in the Lenape Tribe. While responsibilities were divided between men and women among the Lenape, "women made a large percentage of the decision making.." about "... who was sent into battle and who stayed home, property rights, leadership for the community...". I think the Lenape fit your description of matriarchy, which does not imply dominance, but shared responsibility. Thought you'd find this an interesting bit of trivia.
Back to geology and the Hudson River Valley now :)

Thanks so much for sharing this with me @agmoore, I'm going to go have a read of it now.