Name: Date: Group:

Birth of the Haudenosaunee Activities

Directions: Follow these steps to engage with the story of the Haudenosaunee and learn
about their journey to peace and unity. Complete each activity in order, and reflect on
what you have learned.

Step 1: Read the Story: Begin by reading "The Birth of the Haudenosaunee." Pay close
attention to the characters, events, and symbols that explain how the five nations
achieved peace.

Step 2: Answer Text-Based Questions: Using the text, answer the following 10 questions
to demonstrate your understanding

1. Who were the Haudenosaunee, and what nations did they consist of?
The Haudenosaunee were a confederacy of five nations: Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga,
Oneida, and Mohawk. French colonists named the Haudenosaunee the Iroquois
coming from their relationship with the Hurons. The Huron name of “irinakhoiw” was
a derogatory name meaning "black snakes" or "real adders". The Haudenosaunee and
Huron were traditional enemies.
2. What caused the five nations to start warring with each other?
The five nations had forgotten their ways, leading to great bloodshed and conflict
among them.
3. Who was the Peacemaker, and what was his mission?
The Peacemaker was a messenger sent by the Creator to bring peace and unity to
the five warring nations.
4. How did the Peacemaker prove the truth of his words to the people?
The Peacemaker traveled in a canoe made of white stone to demonstrate the power
and truth of his words.
5. What role did Hiawatha play in helping the Peacemaker achieve his vision?
Hiawatha, an Onondaga mourning his daughters’ deaths, helped persuade other
nations to join the Great Peace.
6. Who was Tadodaho, and how was he transformed?
Tadodaho was the most evil leader of the time, with a twisted body and snakes in
 his hair. He was transformed into a good leader and made caretaker of the council
fire.
7. What does the white pine tree symbolize in the Haudenosaunee story?
The white pine tree symbolizes the unity and peace of the five nations.
8. What is the purpose of the eagle placed on top of the Tree of Peace?
The eagle serves as a protector, warning the Haudenosaunee of any dangers to
their peace.
9. What does the Hiawatha Belt represent?
The belt records the union of the five nations, with the Great Peace Tree
representing the Onondaga at the center.
10. How do the Hoyane and Clan Mothers work together in governing the
Haudenosaunee?
The Hoyane, or chiefs, work with the Clan Mothers to represent their clans and
make decisions as part of a democratic council. They ensure decisions are made with
unity and foresight for seven generations.

Step 3: Build Your Vocabulary: Expand your knowledge with these 10 key words from the
story.

Vocabulary Word Bank

Peacemaker Wampum Sovereign Clan Hoyane Democracy

Antlers Council Tadodaho Haudenosaunee

Fill-in-the-Blank Vocabulary Sentences

1. The _______ traveled in a white stone canoe to bring peace to the five nations.
2. A _______ belt made of clam shells was created to record the event.
3. The Onondaga Nation is a _______ nation with its own government.
4. Each _______ works with their female counterpart to represent the people.
5. The _______ Chiefs hold equal responsibility in making decisions.
6. The _______ Tree symbolizes unity and peace among the nations.
7. _______ are placed on the headdress of each chief to show leadership.
8. The _______ is responsible for guarding the Great Peace.
9. _______ was a twisted and evil leader who was eventually transformed.
 10. The _______ is the oldest continuous democratic government in North America.

Answer Key for Vocabulary Fill-in-the-Blank

1. Peacemaker
2. wampum
3. sovereign
4. clan
5. Hoyane
6. white pine
7. Antlers
8. eagle
9. Tadodaho
10. Haudenosaunee

Exemplar for the Opinion-Based Writing Prompt

Dear Family,

Today marks a day I will never forget. I stood with the other chiefs as the Peacemaker
shared his vision of unity and peace among our five nations. His words were powerful, and
they filled my heart with hope. For so long, we have been consumed by war, and it has
brought only sorrow to our people. But now, we have a chance to change—to bury our
weapons and come together as one.

The Peacemaker’s message of the Tree of Peace moved me deeply. I watched as the
hatchets were buried beneath its roots, symbolizing the end of our fighting. The eagle at
the top of the tree will remind us to stay vigilant in protecting this peace. I am proud to be
part of this moment, and I believe this union will make us stronger, just as five arrows
bound together cannot be easily broken.

However, I also feel a sense of responsibility. Peace will not come easily, and there will be
challenges. Old wounds do not heal overnight, and some among us may still cling to anger or
distrust. It is up to us, as chiefs, to set an example. We must listen to our people, work
together, and make decisions that will benefit not just us but the next seven generations.
I pledge to uphold the Great Peace and to honor the trust placed in me. I hope that one
day, our children will look back on this moment and know that we chose the right path.

With hope for the future,