Iroquois Confederacy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What did the daughter see in the cloud that caused her to faint?

A storm approaching

The Grandmother Moon

A vision of her ancestors

The Spirit of the West Wind (correct)

What significant event occurred after the mother of the twins died?

The twins lost their powers

She was reborn as another being

Corn, beans, and squash grew from her head (correct)

She became a star in the sky

How did the left-handed twin differ from the right-handed twin during birth?

He caused his mother's death (correct)

He was born without any complications

He chose an unconventional way to be born (correct)

He was born first

What role did the right-handed twin assume after creation?

Keeper of the day Signup and view all the answers

What does Grandmother Moon represent after her passing?

The passage of time Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Haudenosaunee' literally mean?

People who build a house Signup and view all the answers

How many nations originally formed the Iroquois Confederacy?

Five Signup and view all the answers

What common feature do many northeastern indigenous peoples share in their creation stories?

The world created on the back of a giant sea turtle Signup and view all the answers

What is a key purpose of the Iroquois Confederacy?

To unite the nations and create peaceful decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nations is NOT one of the original members of the Iroquois Confederacy?

Cherokee Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to choose Chiefs in a Haudenosaunee clan?

The Clan Mother Signup and view all the answers

What distinguished characteristic do all Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee share?

They each have a distinct language yet share similar words Signup and view all the answers

What is often referred to as 'Turtle Island' among many indigenous peoples?

North America Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a Clan Mother in the Haudenosaunee society?

To oversee the actions of the Chief and ensure adherence to the Great Law. Signup and view all the answers

When a Chief passes away, who is responsible for selecting a candidate for replacement?

The Clan Mother of the deceased Chief. Signup and view all the answers

What can a Clan Mother do if a Chief continues to act improperly after being warned?

Symbolically remove his antlers to strip him of authority. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following qualities is NOT required of a Clan Mother?

Ability to manage clan finances. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason some people call North America 'Turtle Island'?

Sky Woman was placed on the back of a giant turtle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the Chief of the Clan under the Haudenosaunee governance system?

Hoyaneh Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the Clan Mother's responsibilities regarding marriages?

Approving marriages to prevent clan interrelations. Signup and view all the answers

Which creature is often credited with successfully bringing dirt to Sky Woman?

The muskrat Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a proposed reason for Sky Woman's fall?

She was pulled by the tree's roots. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Clan Mothers, what happens if no appropriate female relative can assume the title?

Candidates will be sought from the wider clan community. Signup and view all the answers

How did Sky Woman manage to create land after arriving on Turtle Island?

She sang and danced in a counter-clockwise direction. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the selection of a hoyaneh as Chief?

His position is held for life. Signup and view all the answers

What type of trees are associated with Sky Woman's story?

The Tree of Life Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about Sky Woman’s actions just before her fall?

She was harvesting roots for her tea. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial reaction of the water birds when they saw Sky Woman falling?

They attempted to catch her with their bodies. Signup and view all the answers

What did Sky Woman do immediately after she placed the dirt on the turtle's back?

She sang and danced. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role attributed to the female figure in the First Nations Creation Myth?

She regulates the monthly cycles of all female life. Signup and view all the answers

What do humans in the First Nations Creation Myth forget to do?

Respect the connections within nature. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Three Sisters Garden an example of?

Intercropping and companion planting. Signup and view all the answers

How do the crops in the Three Sisters Garden benefit each other?

The beans fix nitrogen and stabilize the corn. Signup and view all the answers

What is permaculture primarily concerned with?

Developing sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the Three Sisters crops?

Potatoes Signup and view all the answers

What practice involves the close planting of different plants that enhance each other's growth?

Companion planting Signup and view all the answers

What does the term polyculture refer to in agriculture?

Growing more than one crop species together at the same time. Signup and view all the answers

What role does Sky Woman play in the creation narrative?

She emphasizes the importance of feminine power and life-giving processes. Signup and view all the answers

What does the story of Sky Woman suggest about humans and the Earth?

Humans must balance their needs with the needs of the Earth and give back as much as they take. Signup and view all the answers

Which animal plays a crucial role in supporting Sky Woman during her descent?

Turtle Signup and view all the answers

What key lesson does the Sky Woman story convey about community?

Cooperation and community are vital for wellbeing. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Sky Woman story relate to Indigenous views on women?

Women are portrayed as central to community wellbeing and creation. Signup and view all the answers

What concept is highlighted by the relationship between Sky Woman and Turtle?

The deep connection and interconnectedness of all life. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Sky Woman story teach regarding respect for the environment?

Respecting the Earth is crucial for human existence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the cyclical nature of life as depicted in the Sky Woman narrative?

Life requires giving back to the Earth for sustainability. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Haudenosaunee Creation Myth

The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) creation story describes the world's beginnings.
Initially, there was only water. Above the water was a Sky World.
Different beings lived in the Sky World, some similar to humans but with greater powers.
A tree, called the Tree of Life, grew in the center of the Sky World, its blossoms glowing and illuminating the world.
Beings in Sky World were warned not to disturb the tree.
A woman (Sky Woman) became pregnant and asked for a drink of tea from the tree's roots.
The tree and the ground around it collapsed.
She fell and landed on the back of a giant turtle.
Animals pulled her body to the surface of the water.
The turtle became the foundation of the earth (Turtle Island, i.e. North America).
Animals brought dirt to Sky Woman.
Using the dirt she planted seeds.
Land, plants, and animals bloomed.
Sky Woman gave birth to twin boys.
The right-hand twin became the sun.

Haudenosaunee Clan System

The Haudenosaunee are comprised of clans.
Clans are extended families.
Clans are matrilineal, meaning descent is through the mother.
Clans are named after animals or birds (e.g., Wolf, Bear, Turtle).
Members of the same clan are related, regardless of where they live.
Clan Mother is the head of each clan.

Iroquois Territory

The Iroquois Confederacy was originally composed of 5 nations, which later became known as the Six Nations.
The Six Nations are Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora.

Haudenosaunee Lacrosse

Lacrosse is an international team sport played competitively.
Haudenosaunee were among the originators of lacrosse.
It is a medicine game, or a game played in order to heal and strengthen the people.

Iroquois Nationals

The Iroquois Nationals is a team of Haudenosaunee lacrosse players.
The team represents the Haudenosaunee people nationally and internationally, and became a popular sport in the 1700s.

The Three Sisters

Three main agricultural crops (corn, beans, and squash) were planted in a technique known as companion planting.
Corn serves as a trellis for climbing beans. Beans fix nitrogen in their roots, stabilizing corn and squash leaves prevent ground weeds.
This technique ensures a nutrient-rich soil and maximizes yields.
Indigenous peoples of Central and North America cultivated these crops.

Oral Transmission

Myths are often passed down through storytelling (oral transmission).
This oral tradition is just as valid as written records.
Stories often teach lessons about the values, beliefs, and norms of a community.

Role of Women in the Iroquois Confederacy

Clan Mothers chose the Hoyaneh (chiefs).
Women played a crucial role in decision-making.
Women's participation in their own Councils, advised Clan Mothers.
They had a definite role—not just as followers but as important decision-makers and counselors.

Iroquois Clan Mothers

Clan Mothers oversaw Chiefs and ensured they upheld the Great Law.
They played a vital role in maintaining order and upholding the cultural values.
They passed the titles down through female relatives.
They chose candidates to replace chiefs.
They were responsible for naming children and approving marriages within the clans.

Role of Men in the Iroquois Confederacy

Men participated in Men's Councils, advising the Clan Mothers.
Men were decision-makers for their nations and clans, also participating in the decision-making of the Grand Council.
The Hoyaneh (chiefs) were chosen from among the men.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the Iroquois Confederacy, its creation stories, and the significant events surrounding the Haudenosaunee people. This quiz covers key aspects of their beliefs, structure, and notable figures within their history. Challenge yourself and deepen your understanding of this indigenous culture.