Iroquois Project

As 5th grade moved into the exploration of North America before colonialism, we stopped to learn about the Iroquois nation. As part of their work, 5th graders broke into tribes, researched their particular tribe's history and culture, then wove wampum belts to preserve their history. Having learned that the different Iroquois tribes were warring amongst themselves until Hiawatha and Deganawida brought peace and a new form of democracy to the tribal factions, 5th graders also formed alliances with those they thought would make them powerful and protect them from other alliances. When they read the "Great Law of Peace" they understood they all would have a voice in any decision making. Pictures show the different discussions which the new law allowed.