Short Stories

1. a)  Yes, this speech would persuade me to join the Confederation.  During this time, Colonists were overtaking the land on which the Native Americans were living.  I feel that if the tribes joined together, it would be more difficult for the Colonists to overthrow the Indians.

2. a) The lords plant the Tree of Great Peace to commemorate their meeting.

b) The roots of this plant symbolize peace, strength, and the unity of the nations.

3. a) To open a council meeting, the lords will express gratitude to their cousin lords and thank the earth, the things of the earth, and the creator.

b) The decree suggests that the Iroquois appreciate all that their creator has given to them. Not only this, but they have a deep respect and appreciation of one another.

4. a) Dekanawidah uses the images of deer antlers, a tree, and an eagle.

b) The Iroquois are are in touch with nature and they use rich symbolism to make their constitution. The detailed references to nature all provide further evidence of the Iroquois’ intimate relationship to their surroundings.

5. a)  A lord must be deliberate in his actions and guard himself against anger, giving offensive, or being overly critical. a lord must be honorable, be filled with peace, and yearn for the welfare of the people he leads.

b) The qualities mentioned by the Iroquois constitution would be positive traits for leaders of any time period. Unfortunately, leaders in the modern world do not always possess patience, calmness, tenderness, or selflessness. Many modern leaders are motivated by greed and narcissism and tend to place their concerns and agendas above those of the people they should be serving.    

6. a) I do agree with and support the ideas presented in the Iroquois constitution.  I agree that the constitution should be focused on the people of the confederacy. In order for a society to prosper, it must have leaders who are determined to promote the welfare of their people. The constitution encourages respect of one another and appreciation of the earth and the things that fill it.  I believe that if today’s society were to take on the basic fundamentals of the Iroquois Constitution, we too could prosper. We would have a new respect for one another and for our planet. This is why I support the Iroquois constitution.