Chapter 3: Peoples of the Northeast

The people of the Northeast were broadly categorized into three groups based on their language: those who spoke Algonquian languages, those who spoke Iroquoian languages, and those who spoke Siouan languages.

A region stretching from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic coast, characterized by abundance of resources such as trees, food, and water.

A language group present in the western part of the Northeast, exemplified by the Ojibwe.

People living in the Eastern part of the Northeast, exemplified by the Haudenosaunee.

A language group present in the Eastern parts of the Northeast, exemplified by the Ho-Chunk.

The Northeast provided ample wood for construction and fuel, along with roots, berries, nuts, deer, bears– and plentiful fish from nearby lakes and rivers.

People settled near water sources (creeks,rivers,lakes,ponds) within forested areas for better access to resources.

The region is generally forested and contains many lakes and rivers, which provided both building materials and food sources.

The main crops (corn, beans, and squash) grown by the Haudenosaunee for good nutrition, as they grow well together.

These were the main crops of the Northeast people

Planting corn and beans in mounds, with squash between the mounds, for better growth.

A domed dwelling built by Northeast people, using poles tied together and covered materials.

People who lived in the Northeast of North America

Nations who built wigwams around the Great Lakes.

A food gathered rather than farmed, found in the Great Lakes region.

The period in a year when crops can be grown.

A long rectangular house made of bark panels on a wooden frame. It was used by some Northeast nations.

A group of families in a society, often based on shared ancestry.

A symbol or emblem, often an animal, that represented a clan in some Northeast nations.

Groups of people inhabiting the northeast part of North America.

A clan system based on the mother's family.

A clan system based on the father's family.

A longhouse could house several families, sometimes up to ten around several fire pits.

The Ojibwe people moved around throughout the year, living in small family groups during winter and larger villages in spring and summer.

The Mahican people believe they came from a place far north, crossing water to settle in the Hudson River valley.

The Mahican and Mohawk peoples fought each other throughout history.

A group of nations (Mohawk, Onondaga, Seneca, Oneida, and Cayuga) who formed a unified government aimed at peace.

Two important figures in creating the Haudenosaunee Confederacy through diplomacy.

Another name for the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, referring to the unified group of nations.

A geographical region where many Native American groups historically lived, including the ones mentioned in the text.

Some groups, like the Mahican, settled in one area for years.

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy aimed to foster peace among its member nations and unite them against common enemies.

Each nation in the Haudenosaunee Confederacy retained its own chief, called a sachem, who also served on the League Council, a body that governed the confederacy. This allowed individual nations to maintain their autonomy while addressing matters affecting all nations together.

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy's form of government was so effective that it continues to influence modern governance, including the structure of the United States Constitution.

Many Northeast peoples believed in animism, the idea that every living thing, object, and place possessed a spirit.

The Ojibwe established a religious society called the Grand Medicine Society, or Midewiwin, featuring priests trained in various levels of knowledge and spiritual abilities.

The Ojibwe value the Seven Teachings: wisdom, love, respect, bravery, truth, humility, and honesty, which they believe should guide every action in life.

A core Haudenosaunee value emphasizes responsibility to the people of the seventh generation after us, advocating for long-term sustainability and mindful actions.

Hiawatha, a significant figure in Haudenosaunee history, left his home and wandered in the wilderness, seeking wisdom and guidance.

The position of feathers on a gustoweh, a type of headdress, varied between different Haudenosaunee nations. For example, Mohawk men wore gustowehs with three feathers pointing upwards, while Onondaga men's gustowehs had one feather pointing up and one pointing down.

Before European contact, trade among the nations of the Eastern Woodlands was primarily based on exchanging exotic goods that weren't readily available locally. This meant they weren't competing for basic necessities.

Shells used to create wampum were highly valued in Eastern Woodland trade. They were used for ceremonial purposes and as currency.

In the Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace, the 'Tree of Great Peace' symbolizes the unity of the Five Nations. Its roots extend to all directions, welcoming those who embrace peace and obey the law.

The 'Great White Roots' of the Tree of Great Peace represent the paths to peace and strength. They are open to those who seek to join the Five Nations and uphold their laws.

The Eagle perched atop the Tree of Great Peace symbolizes vigilance. It alerts the Five Nations to any approaching danger or threats.

The leaders of the Five Nations who collectively make decisions and govern according to the Great Law of Peace.

Those who wish to be welcomed under the Tree of Great Peace must be free of ill intentions, obey the laws, and be willing to follow the wishes of the Confederate Council.