Native American Histories: The Iroquois

Women were the true leaders in Iroquois society. They had the power to name candidates for chief as well as to remove them from office. They could declare war and were important in conducting ceremonies throughout the year. This is one of the many interesting aspects of Iroquois life that we learn about from Charlotte Wilcox's exploration of this Northeastern tribe.

Among other items of interest include the set up of Iroquois homes - many families live in one longhouse, but each had their own living area; the recording of important events on belts using shells since their was no written language; and Hiawatha's message of peace which helped the Iroquois become a united confederacy. This confederacy stopped the constant warfare among the Iroquois by bringing together their different nations at council to talk about problems and the best ways for the people to act.

Like many Native Americans, the Iroquois lost land to settlers as well as members of their nations to disease, but though they were pushed out and down, they are still a strong nation today. The confederacy and council still continues and the tribe still holds onto its identity: festivals and gatherings are used as a way to pass on traditions, and the native languages are spoken at home and taught in school along with English.