Who Are These People Anyway? The Iroquois And Their Neighbors

The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, is a group of Native American tribes living in what is now the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. These tribes have a rich history and culture that has greatly influenced the region. In this article, we will explore who the Iroquois people are, their neighbors, and their significance in the history of North America.

The Iroquois Confederacy

The Iroquois Confederacy is made up of six tribes: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. The confederacy was established around 1570 and is considered one of the oldest participatory democracies in the world. They came together to form a powerful alliance and worked collectively to maintain peace and resolve conflicts among their member tribes.

Who Are These People Anyway? (The Iroquois and Their Neighbors)

by Dan Morain (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1416 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	209 pages

FREE

The Iroquois Confederacy had a unique governmental system. They had a Grand Council made up of representatives from each tribe, which made important decisions on behalf of the confederacy. This democratic approach to governance was admired by early European settlers and had a significant impact on the formation of the United States' democratic system.

Relations with Neighboring Tribes

The Iroquois Confederacy had both friendly and hostile relationships with their neighboring tribes. One of their most notable conflicts was with the Algonquian-speaking tribes, such as the Huron and the Algonquin. These conflicts were driven by competition over land, resources, and the fur trade. The Iroquois, with their strong military alliance, often gained the upper hand in these conflicts.

On the other hand, the Iroquois had a long-standing peaceful relationship, known as The Great Peace, with another Native American group known as the Lenape, or Delaware, people. This alliance was built on mutual respect, trade, and cooperation. The Great Peace lasted for centuries and allowed for peaceful interactions and economic growth between these two groups.

Agriculture, Trade, and Governance

Agriculture played a vital role in the Iroquois Confederacy's way of life. They cultivated crops such as corn, beans, and squash, known as the "Three Sisters." The cultivation of these crops supported their population growth, contributed to their economic stability, and enabled trade with other tribes.

The Iroquois were skilled traders and established extensive trade routes that connected them to various tribes in the region, including those in the Great Lakes, Ohio River Valley, and the Atlantic Coast. They traded goods such as furs, pottery, and wampum beads, which were highly valued currency.

In addition to their political and economic systems, the Iroquois also had rich cultural traditions and religious beliefs. Their society was matrilineal, with descent and inheritance passing through the maternal line. They placed great importance on oral traditions, storytelling, and ceremonies. These cultural practices played a crucial role in maintaining their identity and reinforcing their values.

Significance and Legacy

The Iroquois Confederacy's impact on North American history cannot be overstated. Their democratic governance structure, known as the "Great Law of Peace," inspired early European settlers and played a significant role in shaping the ideals of the United States' founding fathers.

The Iroquois Confederacy also left a lasting legacy in areas such as agriculture, trade, and diplomacy. Their agricultural techniques, including the cultivation of the "Three Sisters," revolutionized farming practices and contributed to the development of modern Native American agriculture.

Today, the Iroquois Confederacy and its member tribes continue to maintain their cultural traditions and political systems. They actively participate in modern-day issues, advocate for indigenous rights, and contribute to the preservation of their heritage.

The Iroquois and their neighbors have played a vital role in shaping the history and culture of North America. From their establishment of a participatory democracy to their agricultural innovations and trade networks, the Iroquois Confederacy's influence is still felt today. Understanding their rich history and ongoing legacy is essential for appreciating the diverse and vibrant tapestry of North America's indigenous peoples.

Who Are These People Anyway? (The Iroquois and Their Neighbors)

by Dan Morain (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1416 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	209 pages

FREE

In the rich tradition of oral storytelling, Chief Irving Powless Jr. of the Beaver Clan of the Onondaga Nation reminds us of an ancient treaty. It promises that the Haudenosaunee people and non-Indigenous North Americans will respect each other’s differences even when their cultures and behaviors differ greatly.
Powless shares intimate stories of growing up close to the earth, of his work as Wampum Keeper for the Haudenosaunee people, of his heritage as a lacrosse player, and of the treaties his ancestors made with the newcomers. He also pokes fun at the often-peculiar behavior of his non-Onondaga neighbors, asking, Who are these people anyway? sometimes disarmingly gentle, sometimes caustic, these vignettes refreshingly portray mainstream North American culture as seen through Haudenosaunee eyes. Powless illustrates for all of us the importance of respect, peace, and, most importantly, living by the unwritten laws that preserve the natural world for future generations.