1. Everyday Interpretations of
Creation
Iroquois Orientations to the World

2. Tadadaho Leon Shenandoah
By Rich Hill

3. Challenges of Teaching Creation Myths
• People of the U.S. tend to emphasize the end
– Eschatology, Millennialism
• Prominent feature of Protestant Christianity
• Most Indigenous traditions emphasize the
beginning
• Why? What are the consequences of this
different emphasis?

4. Everyday Importance of Creation
Stories
• Not just an event of the past
– Creation is critical for understanding the present
world
• Organizes the world
– “Founds” the world, makes reality possible
• Form the basis of a human relationship with
the world

5. Case of the Haudenosaunee,
“People of the Longhouse”
• Traditional Iroquois
• Confederation of 6 tribes
– Mohawk, Oneida, Ononda
ga, Cayuga, Tuscarora, Sen
eca
• Last traditional
government in US
• Democracy, Women’s
Movement

6. Onondaga Longhouse
• Central Fire/Tree
– Grand Council
• 3 Messages
– 1. Creation/ Thanksgivings
– 2. Great Law of Peace
• Matrilineal Clans
– 3. Code of Handsome Lake
• Thanksgiving Address
– First Instruction
– Not worship, not a prayer

7. Haudenosaunee
Creation Story
• Skywoman
– Iotsitsisen
• Creation from
Descent/Emergence
• From Skywoman by
Joanne Shenandoah and
Doug George

8. North America as Turtle Island
• Iotsitsisen
creates earth
– Animals
• Beaver, Otter,
Muskrat
• Earth-Diver
Myths

9. First Woman--Tekawerahkwa
• Birth of First
Woman
• Birth of Twins
– Okwiraseh (New
Tree)
– Tawiskaron (Ice
Skin)
• Oppositions

10. Origin of Food Plants
• Body of Tekawerahkwa
creates
corn, beans, and
squash
– Three Sisters

11. Creativity of Conflict
• Twins (Benign and
Mischievous) create
things of the earth and
battle

12. Oppositions of Life
• Necessity of opposing
forces in creation of life
• Games
– Lacrosse, etc.
– Healing properties of
conflict