Chapter 2, Lesson 5 ACOS #3: Compare major Native American cultures in respect to geographic region, natural resources, government, and religion. ACOS #3a: Locate Native American groups by geographic region.

Key Vocabulary Words Longhouse – a large house made with wood poles and bark. Many Haudenosaunee families lived together in them. Confederation – a type of government in which separate groups of people join together, but local leaders still make most decisions for their group. Wampum – belts made of pieces of carefully shaped and cut seashell, strung like beads. They were sometimes used to symbolize agreements. Barter – to trade goods without using money.

Peoples of the East The eastern third of the United States has hills, mountains, plains, and valleys. The entire area has one thing in common: it gets plenty of rain, enough to support a forest. The natural resources of these Native Americans shaped their lives—they hunted deer, bear, and rabbit for food. They also got their food from plants. For example, they made syrup from maple trees and gathered wild rice. They did not rely on a single food source, such as buffalo, for their food.

Farming and Building Most Woodland Indians were farmers. Their main crops were corn, beans, and squash. In warmer climates, their homes did not have walls, just a roof for shade and protection from the rain. They made light clothing, woven from grass to wear in hot weather. Farther north, they needed more protection from the cold. They wore clothing made from deerskin, and lived in longhouses.

The Haudenosaunee These people lived in what is now New York State. They lived as separate nations. They shared a common language, but often fought against each other. Fighting made the nations weak, so five of the nations joined together in peace as a confederation. It was known as the Haudenosaunee League. A confederation is a typed of government in which separate groups of people join together, but local leaders still make most decisions for their group.

Haudenosaunee Government The Haudenosaunee League was governed by chiefs from each nation. All five nations had to agree before the League would take any action. They lived in clans. Clan mothers, the oldest women of the clan, played an important part in the government. They chose the chiefs who led the nations. The chief was chosen for life, but could be replaced if he was not doing a good job.

Haudenosaunee Trading The nations traded with other Woodland Indians. They sometimes used wampum to symbolize agreements. Wampum were belts made of pieces of carefully shaped and cut seashell. They strung the shells like beads. They were highly valued. The people bartered for goods. This means they traded goods without using money.

The Haudenosaunee Today More than 50,000 Haudenosaunee live in North America. Some still live in New York state and parts of Canada. Most, however, live in big cities and towns. They work in all areas of jobs. Some of the Haudenosaunee, the Mohawks, are famous for their skills in building skyscrapers. They even helped build the Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Name and locate the 5 major Native American Indian tribes on a map.