Abstract This paper examines how the treatment of Native Americans by the early settlers and the later colonists of America has been a lesson in sorrow and despair. It attempts to show that not only was the dispossession of Iroquois land immoral and unethical, but in almost every instance illegal by any standards of contract and treaty as well. It also examines how often the Iroquois were represented by parties that were to benefit from their losses or simply not represented at all since the translation of the documents were often misleading or completely non-sequitur to the actual intention of the treaties and contracts involved.
Outline:
Prospectus
Introduction
The Land and the People are One.
The Patroons and Leasehold Estates
The Beginning of the End
The Father of Our Country
Time Marches On
The Last War Dance
The Trail not Taken
The Last of the Iroquois Conclusion
From the Paper "While there had always been many disputes over the Native American Territories long before then, the Iroquois would find that in 1785 New York and its then Governor, George Clinton, along with a company called The New York Genesee Land Company, would begin a process that would systematically remove them from their lands. First, The New York Genesee Land Company, an independent group of businessman, negotiated a 999-year-lease on the majority of Iroquois lands in New York State for the initial price of $20,000, and an ongoing annual rental fee of $2,000. The State charter had originally assumed full control over the governance of Native American territory which had been reserved to the Iroquois in 1768 by the establishment of a property line, west of which white men were forbidden to settle. The sale of any of the lands of the Six nations was reserved to judgment and prevue of the State alone. "
Abstract This paper will discuss the Iroquois Indians, and the life they led before the conquest of the British in the area of Quebec, which they are from. By showing the way of life, including their dress; their religion, and the way of life they lived in this region, we can see a detailed description of Indian life, as it was traditionally for these first peoples. By realizing the impact that these first peoples had n the way of life I pre-colonial days in Canada, we can realize how the culture differed, and why they were so unique to the southern area of what is now Canada.
Abstract This paper discusses Lewis H. Morgan's ideas about changing the Iroquois institutions of his day in his works "Ancient Society" and "League of the Iroquois," and how those changes would have reshaped Iroquois society and challenged Iroquois culture. The writer concludes that had Morgan's vision for the Iroquois become reality much of the rich Iroquois culture would have simply been assimilated into white civilization.
Outline
Objective
Introduction
Morgan's Desire for the Iroquois Nation
Education and Employment
Fox's View on Morgan's Position on the Iroquois Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Lewis H. Morgan spent a great deal of time documenting the life of the Iroquois and recorded this information in the work entitled: "The League of the Iroquois". In this work, Morgan reflects his thoughts upon the Iroquois society, both in terms of the Indians, as they existed and in terms of his hopes for the Iroquois nation of Indians."
A look at the historical importance of Barbara Graymont's book in understanding the relationship between the Native Americans and the locals in the American Revolution.
Abstract This paper examines how the role of the Iroquois Confederacy in the American Revolution and the fate of native peoples in its wake is a topic often overlooked by historians. In Barbara Graymont's work, "The Iroquois in the American Revolution", Graymont attempts to shed light on the underlying issues of the American Revolution, more specifically, the effect of that conflict on the cultural identity and tribal unity of the Iroquois peoples. It shows how "The Iroquois in the American Revolution" examines the struggle between Britain and the thirteen colonies to attain the loyalty of the Iroquois, as well as the impending disintegration of the long-standing confederacy. This paper critiques Graymont's work by analyzing important factors such as her biases, sources, background, assumptions, and overall knowledge of the topic at hand, as well as to examine alternate viewpoints of the subject and the relevance of this topic to our course.
From the Paper "To successfully analyse and evaluate a historical work such as The Iroquois in the American Revolution, one must first examine the background of the author, in this case, Barbara Graymont, as well as the type and credibility of the sources used to research the topic and construct the work. Barbara Graymont, a white American author, is an associate professor of history in the United States. Graymont is also an honorary member of the Indian Defense League of America, a position which she achieved through acquaintance with and professional ties to many present day Iroquois in America.1 In light of the fact that Graymont has definite ties to native peoples, a reader would expect to see evidence of favouritism and sympathy toward the Natives as well as more strict criticism of the white peoples involved. Such cases are evident throughout the work. For example, in her prologue, Graymont uses the term Visutskie 2 "pawns"2 to describe the utter usage of the Native peoples by both the British and the Americans in their attempts to defeat the other. In another instance, Graymont's table of contents is valuable in determining exactly who and what the book was written for. The table of contents makes it quite obvious to the reader that Graymont is quite intent on educating the reader about Native culture and that each chapter centres around Native peoples and their roles in not only the American Revolution but in everyday life alongside the white settlers. Graymont makes reference to both the British and the Americans using bribery with alcohol and other presents, promises of military protection, and even grants of land taken from the Natives in the first place to try and win the Natives as allies."
Abstract Describes each group and compares them. Aztecs as dominant ruling trible in post-classic MesoAmerica. Territory of Valley of Mexico. Control of water resources as a major issue. Primary religion, calendar, art, social structure. Iroquois tribes of North America. Common culture and language of the 5 Tribes. Impact of European settlers.
From the Paper "?From the beginning of the Classic period onward, the instability of the northern cultural frontier of Meso-America was a reflection of the constant recruitment of "barbarian" tribes to the MesoAmerican way of life.?
(Spencer & Jennings, 1965, P. 130)
The Aztecs were a collective group of ?Nahua-speaking peoples and became the dominant ruling barbarian tribe in Post-classic MesoAmerica. They followed after the Ancient Olmecs, the Mayas, and the cross-existing Toltecs. The Aztecs were the first group to contribute true cities to MesoAmerican culture."
Abstract This paper looks at how the Mohawk are a part of a group of indigenous North Americans known as the Iroquois. It attempts to explain the past and present state of the Mohawk nation, its origins, and its struggles. It also explores the beginnings of Iroquoian society and Mohawk language, arts, and economy. It also examines how the Mohawk are survivors and how, from the days of their early ancestors to the present day, although they have dwindled in number, they live on.
From the Paper "The turning point for the Mohawk and the Six Nations was the revolutionary war. Many Iroquois fought on the side of the British, despite the League's declared neutrality in the conflict. With the end of the war and American victory, British land was ceded to the Patriots, with no mention made in the (war-ending) Treaty of Paris of 1783 of Indian land rights (Bonvillain 69). The result was that ?by the early 1780s, most of the Mohawk had left their traditional lands in New York to seek safety in Canada (Bonvillain 71).?"
A religious review and comparison of the movie "The Chronicles of Narnia, The Witch, The Lion and The Wardrobe" directed by Adam Adamsons and the book "Iroquois Creation Story" written by Dawn T Maracle.
Abstract This paper comes to show how modern works like the movie "The Chronicles of Narnia, The Witch, The Lion and The Wardrobe" and the book "Iroquois Creation Story" parallel what Christians believe today. These stories describe the "good and bad minds," which highlight the differences between God and Satan, and the constant theme of the battle between good and evil.
From the Paper "Darkness refers to the sins of the world and light to God and the good He represents. The writer discussed the monsters going to hide from the light, "Whenever the light extended to the dark world the monsters were displeased and immediately concealed themselves in the deep places" (22), which parallels the event in the Bible with Adam and Eve after they had partaken of the forbidden fruit from the Garden of Eden, but I don't believe Adam and Eve to be monsters as the Indian story suggested."
Abstract The writer of this paper details the artistic and cultural significance of an Iroquois ritual object; a turtle rattle, ca 1890, which was found in North America. This paper contains a detailed description of the object, a large turtle rattle which is composed of the complete shell and skin of a snapping- turtle, 12-14 inches long, with head and neck stretched and held by stick splints to form a handle. The writer describes how this and other similar objects were used in Native Americans ceremonies and healing rituals. This paper delves into the significance of this and other artistic objects that were intrinsic to the native way of life. These objects were created in prehistoric times for utilitarian purposes.
Table of Contents:
Brief Description
Description
Research
Bibliography
From the Paper "The turtle rattle was also a musical instrument in ceremonial use. One of its most important functions was its significance in the False Face ceremonies. One of the most distinguishing features of the Iroquois belief system is the reliance on the mask for religious and ritual purposes. These masks are often designated as False Faces. This term refers to the first False Face and the mythical origins of protective and healing spirits. They are used in introductory and agricultural rituals. The turtle rattles play a significant part in these important rituals. The turtle rattle is therefore integrated with the overall understanding of the origin myths of the Iroquois Indians. The turtle rattle is also seen as a powerful object in its own right and not just a decorative or musical piece."
Abstract The paper outlines the causes of the Iroquis Theater Fire, what regulations were violated and what corrective actions could have been taken to prevent the fire from having taken place. The paper contends that poor planning, derelict management and shoddy inspection work contributed to the tragedy.
From the Paper "To begin with, the incident began at around 3:15 pm on December 30th. Inside Chicago's Iroquois theater roughly 1900 souls were crammed together to watch the popular musical, "Mr. Bluebeard, Jr.". The on-duty fireman charged with battling any blazes that broke out was armed with only two tubes of "patent powder" (which proved useless in combating the huge blaze) and the theater lacked fire hoses and any other means by which fires breaking out over the fireman's head could be battled. Furthermore, the asbestos fire curtain got "stuck" before it reached the full "down" position inasmuch as projecting lamps and/or cheap wooden tracks got in the way. These problems, coupled with others which will be discussed shortly, led to the inevitable tragedy."
Abstract This research paper discuses the French and Tuscarora Wars, the Iroquois Confederacy or Iroquois League and how they fought their wars. It also brings forth the issue of their cultures and how it affected their warrior skills and techniques.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that combining the melodious sounds of a sophisticated oral tradition with the beautiful imagery of an untainted United States' wilderness, Native-American authors have given American literature a unique selection of poetry and prose. The writer discusses that both David Cusick's version of the Iroquois Creation Myth and Luci Tapahonso's poem "A Breeze Swept Through" illustrate the importance of a feminine and motherly earth while still expressing a uniqueness in imagery and style. The writer points out that though many Native- American writers compose on similar themes, differences in style between authors can be extensive. The writer notes that David Cusick's Iroquois Creation Myth and Luci Topohonso's "A Breeze Swept Through" excellently illustrate this fact as both works detail the existence of a feminine and motherly earth but accomplish this through two wildly different literary styles.
From the Paper "Though both Cusick and Tapahonso's works identify an important trait in Native-American folklore, the existence of a female and motherly earth, the works do this in very different ways. Cusick's work is prose, a story or myth that is meant to explain some universal truth for the listener. Though it is beautiful in its prose, its true beauty is in its content; its purpose is to inform the reader about how the earth was created. For this reason, readers are awed more with the sophistication and symbolism of an earth divided into good and bad by two twins born of a mother whose body now shines in the sky than the artful language and description in the story. On the other hand, Topohonso's poem primarily uses language to establish a beautiful sound worthy of the Native-American oral tradition."
Abstract The paper examines the war that raged in North America through the late 1750's and early 1760's and shows that it was a piece of a large struggle between England and France for dominance in world trade and naval power. The paper discusses the British victory in that struggle, known in Europe as the Seven Years' War , and how it ended the long struggle among the three powers in northeastern North America: The English, the French, and the Iroquois Confederacy. It also shows how it confirmed England's commercial supremacy and its control of the settled regions of North America and helped to establish the development of the frontier and the ever moving progress that was about to begin in America.
From the Paper "After the dust settled, England realized they had encountered a huge debt from the war and did not have a way to pay for it. Many government officials from England were already angry because of the lack of money given to them by America in order to help pay for the war. They also failed to provide large numbers of soldiers for battle. After great discussion, the Parliament decided that American colonists should be taxed in order to exercise their part in helping to cover the huge debt England had incurred. Therefore many new taxes were introduced. These taxes included the Stamp Act, the Sugar Act, the Townshend act and many others."
This paper discusses the Iroquis, a branch of North American Indians who belonged to the Hokan-Siouan linguistic family: Prominent role of women, religion, economics, food and mistreatment by whites and the government.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, 1983, $ 47.95
From the Paper The Iroquois were a branch of North American Indians who belonged to the Hokan-Siouan linguistic family. They were the initiators of the Iroquois Confederacy, or Iroquois League, a North American Indian confederation consisting of five nations joined together for greater strength, commerce and survival: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca (founded 1570). Around 1722, the Tuscarora joined the League, and these people inhabited what is now the north and west sides of New York's Hudson River. These Indians numbered 5,500, and materially, politically and militarily their culture was the most advanced in the Eastern Woodlands..
The Iroquois conceived of themselves as living in a metaphorical "longhouse" in which each nation had a role. For example, the Mohawks guarded the eastern door. By allowing ... "
Abstract This paper discusses and compares "The Treaty of Canandaigua 1794: 200 Years of Treaty Relations between the Iroquois Confederacy and the United States" by G. Peter Jemison and Anna M. Schein and James Wilson's "The Earth Shall Weep: A History of Native America". The paper shows that "The Treaty of Canandaigua" provides an in-depth analysis of the treaty and its effects on both the Native American and European population of the United States, while "The Earth Shall Weep" encompasses the lives and history of many diverse Native American tribes, over almost their entire known history.
From the Paper "Interestingly, James Wilson is not a Native American, and yet he writes The Earth Shall Weep as if he were. Wilson's analysis is clearly written outside of the Eurocentric, Christian view that has dominated the world stage for so long. As such, Wilson's review of Native American history is fresh and inviting. He manages to create a somewhat balanced overview of the indigenous North American population, while never idealizing or demonizing their culture. As such, Wilson's somewhat detached viewpoint works wonders in this lengthy (480 page) work by creating a book that is both instructive and balanced.
This balance is especially refreshing give the tendency of many books on native American culture to be written either from a dry, academic standpoint, or from a somewhat naive and idealistic viewpoint of indigenous North American culture. Wilson's book gives a useful review of Native American history without falling prey to the either extreme of analysis. As such, the book is engaging and readable, without being overbearing or exclusionist in its point of view."
Abstract This paper discusses Anthony F.C. Wallace's book "The Death and Rebirth of the Seneca" which tells the story of the Seneca Native American tribe of the Iroquois Nation and deals mainly with the Seneca prophet named Handsome Lake and the religion he created. The paper covers details about the religion, as described in the book, which functions like a church, as well as the history of the Seneca tribe and their move away from their traditions.
From the Paper "The remainder of the book goes on to discuss more about Handsome Lake's reformation and religion, while he continues to have visions and begin preaching his Gospel. Handsome Lake died in 1815, but his followers continued to worship his religion which included a "daily life of temperance, peace, land retention, acculturation, and domestic morality" (Wallace 263), which Handsome Lake himself lived and practiced. He saw the wisdom of schooling the Seneca children, and learning to farm and keep domestic animals like the white settlers surrounding their reservations. The sad part of this is; the Seneca gave up their lifestyle to the white ways, which may have been inevitable, but still changed their way of life forever. They could never go back to hunting in the forest and living peacefully in their wilderness, their lives were forever intertwined with the white man and his ways."
