1. CHAPTER 2 – NATIVE AMERICANS OF NORTH AMERICA Lesson 1 – The Eastern Woodlands

2. THE IROQUOIS “Iroquois” refers to the 6 nations or tribes that make up the Iroquois League of the Eastern Woodlands Cultural Region. What is a tribe? What is a league? A tribe is group of families bound together under a single leadership who share a common culture. A league is an organization that is formed to unite people for a certain purpose. What is a cultural region?A cultural region is an area where people with similar cultures live, using the resources of their environment.

3. THE IROQUOIS So what is a Let’s take a moment and discuss what makes up a CULTURE. At your table, think of things people in a culture share.

5. Living in the Woodlands The Eastern Woodlands region was rich in natural resources. How were they used? Hunting, fishing and farming for food – animal skins and furs for clothing Many uses for trees, including birchbark canoes and The Longhouse Let’s take a minute to discuss life in the LONGHOUSE!

6. IROQUOIS BELIEFS AND CUSTOMS The Iroquois felt a deep connection to the resources of their world, including animals they killed for food and clothing. They held ceremonies throughout the year to give thanks, to honor nature, and to mark important events. Wampum, a belt or string of polished seashells, was used for ornament, honor, and even trade.

7. THE IROQUOIS TODAY There are still about 50,000 Iroquois, many living on reservations. What is a reservation? The Great Council, made up of 50 league members, still meets today. Iroquois league members from the Mohawk tribe are known as “high iron” men, skilled at iron work on city skyscrapers.