1. The Iroquois and Algonquins Native American cultures of the Eastern Woodlands

2. I. The Iroquois Powerful group of Native Americans that originally consisted of five nations: the Mohawk, Seneca, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Oneida Lived in the Finger Lakes region of present-day NYS The League of the Iroquois was an alliance that was formed between the 5 nations around the year 1570 to promote peace and cooperation among the members, and to create a united defense against common enemies Once a year, 50 tribal leaders (sachems) met at a council to make decisions for the League The council discussed problems and voted on ways to solve them: each nation had one vote and the council only took action if all of the nations agreed

3. Iroquois Continued… Used trees to construct multi-family homes called longhouses Fished, farmed, hunted, and gathered food Main crops were squash, beans and corn (which they considered gifts from their Creator) Women owned all household property and were in charge of planting and hunting An Iroquois man moved in with his wife’s family after marrying Women chose the clan leaders and could remove a leader if he did not do his job well Women also chose the sachems (tribal leaders who met once a year to make decisions for the League)

4. Iroquois Continued… Often feuded with the Algonquins (and French settlers) for control of hunting grounds (and the fur trade) The Iroquois allied themselves with the British during the French and Indian War (Britain won) Again, allied themselves with the British against the colonists during the American Revolution (Britain lost) After the Revolution, many Iroquois moved to Canada and those that stayed in NY lost their land

5. II. The Algonquins Primarily lived in the Northeastern part of North America (along the St.Lawrence River) Mainly hunter-gatherers since the cold weather made it difficult to farm Would travel by foot and canoe during the summer months, and used snowshoes and toboggans to travel during the winter Used animal skins to make clothing and tents, and made wigwams using the bark of trees After the arrival of Europeans, they allied themselves with the French, and traded animal furs to French settlers in exchange for weapons

6. Quiz Questions In which present-day state did the Iroquois live? What 5 tribes made up the League of the Iroquois? Why was the League of the Iroquois formed? What important political power did Iroquois women have? Explain 2 ways that the Iroquois adapted to their environment. Explain 2 ways that the Algonquins adapted to their environment.