Northeastern

Woodlands
Iroquois
cultures
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Original Territory during 1492
The Northeastern Woodlands Iroquois tribes lived surrounding
the Great Lakes and bordering the Atlantic
Ocean. Unfortunately, the United States government forced a
large number of Eastern Woodlands Native American tribes to
leave their native lands in the 1800s. They were forced to move
to Oklahoma and other western states. As the tribes traveled by
foot, it was a long and perilous journey that claimed many
lives.
 Leadership
Who had How rules are
Requirements
power
The clan chiefs oversaw the
determined
The clan leader had the most
village as group. A clan head power and was selected by In the late 1500’s, the
may be ousted by the ladies if each family’s oldest ladies. womwn chose 50 “sachems”
he performed poorly in his or peace chiefs after the
duties. League of Iroquois was
established. These chiefs
served as the League’s
governing body.
 Family Unit
Forbidden to marry anyone
The Elder women were in from your clan, so when
charge, Women controlled someone got married a
life in the longhouse. The new man came into the
husband didn’t have women’s Longhouse.
anything over his wife and When a baby was born,
was free to leave her that baby became part of
husband at any time the wife's clan not the
fathers. When the boys
grew up and married, they
left their home and moved
Thayendanegea, also known as Joseph Brant, to their wife's longhouse.
was a Mohawk military leader and political leader.
Young adults would typically marry in their late
teens. Arranged marriages were common amongst
the Northeastern Woodlands. Neither the girl or
boy could refuse to marry the person their parents
had chosen.
What cultural differences and pratices made
them unique?

This culture was distinguished by the construction of large

lodges, the formation of hamlets into concentrated villages, and
the development of elaborate rituals and religiuos practices.
The main village of the Onondagas is where the League council
typically meets each summer. Individuals just talked once, since
the goal of speaking was to encourage people not to dispute, no
one was allowed to interrupt or shout. All parties required to
consent to every decision.
 Spiritual Beliefs
Who they
Differences in regard to Europe
worship
The Northeastern Woodlands The Northeastern Woodlands Iroquois tribes believe in Good
Iroquois tribes were very spiritual and Evil spirits who were in charge of good things and
people who believed in the Great bad things that happened on the Earth. ​
Spirit, Creator of all living things.​

Ceremonies
The Corn-Planting Festival, the Green Corn
Festival, and the Corn-Gathering Festival were
among the most important of Iroquois
celebrations. They also held a Maple-Sugar
Festival and a Strawberry Festival.
Basis of their Economy
The Northeastern Woodlands Iroquois main economy was
trading the cash crop sister which were corn, squash, and beans
that high demand by Native Americans on the Plains and West
Coast who were eager to trade. In return for the food, the
Iroquois received silver, copper, pearls and shells.
 Sources
• khanacademy.com
• mrnussbaum.com
• nativeamericans.mrdonn.org