As many American children are taught, the Iroquoian tribes were the original inhabitants of eastern North America, occupying what today is Southern Ontario and parts of several Northeastern states. Ancient historians, however, have long been fascinated by the Iroquoian migration. This is because while they were generally considered to be located in the east of the United States before European colonization, some accounts suggest that they may have gone as far west as Wisconsin and even the Great Plains.
Recent archaeological research indicates that the Iroquois did indeed travel outside of their typical eastern range, though their whereabouts after the beginning of the 16th century is still the subject of debate. One thing that is certain, however, is that the Iroquois occupied areas all along the eastern seaboard and south of the Great Lakes. This would have put them well to the east of the Mississippi River.
The presence of the Iroquois in areas east of the Mississippi is supported by historical accounts of French explorer Jacques Cartier. Upon sailing up the St. Lawrence river in 1534, he encountered an Iroquoian group whom he called the Stadaconas. Upon subsequent visits to the same region, Cartier found this group of “savages” to be living in the same region, suggesting that they had permanently settled on the east side of the mighty river.
Other testimonies also recognize the presence of the Iroquoian people in the east. Blessed with an impressive longevity record, Iroquois families shifted and moved over the decade, likely occupying a range of settlements throughout the east and west. Moreover, the official presence of the Iroquois was recognized from the time of their earliest diplomatic contact with Europeans.
To be sure, in the 17th century, various Iroquois-speaking tribal settlements could be found west of the Mississippi. This does suggest that, if not an entire migration, there must at least have been some degree of interaction between the Iroquoian and other tribal groups on the Western side of the mighty river.
Although substantial evidence suggests that most of the Iroquois were located east of the Mississippi River, researchers still cannot entirely agree as to their exact population distribution. Some dispute that the Iroquois remained nearly isolated from other tribes even in their movements east of the Mississippi, while other assert that they traded heavily with other nations. Still others allege that the Iroquois may have traveled within large groups and may have even had a continuous presence on the western side.
Iroquois Tribes in the East of the Mississippi
The Iroquoian tribes in the east of the Mississippi include the Cherokee, Miami, Lenape, and Shawnee. Other tribes, such as the Susquehannock, Mohican and Wapacon, were also likely to have been roaming east of the river.
Archaeologists have suggested that the Iroquoian tribes were primarily farmers and settled in small villages. Proficiency in basketry, tanning, and pottery was also common among the tribe. Various tools were employed in these tasks including stone hatchets, bow drills, and stone knives. Despite their focus on subsistence, it has been suggested that some of the tribes of the Eastern regions, such as the Iroquois and Cherokee, would engage in long-distance trading with other tribes.
Accounts from the 16th century suggest that there were about 1,500 to 2,000 Iroquoian individuals living east of the Mississippi. Today, most of these tribes live on smaller reservations located in the Mississippi Valley and in areas of the Midwest.
Given the accounts from historians and archaeological evidence, it is quite clear that the Iroquois tribes were located east of the Mississippi River. They had established small settlements and villages, engaged in trade and flourished as a tribe for centuries.
Iroquois and Their trading Relationships
The Iroquois had trading relationships with many different tribes both east and west of the Mississippi River and they were not isolated from other tribes. The discovery of weapons by archeologists clearly points to these trading relationships, as many of the tools were made of materials such as copper that are not native to the area. This suggests that the Iroquois were exchanging goods with other tribes, including those west of the Mississippi.
It’s also important to note that the Iroquois did not strictly limit their trading to other tribes. European settlers also played a role in the trade relationships, especially in the 16th and 17th centuries. Accounts of traders suggest that the Iroquois engaged with French, Dutch, and English settlers, most likely exchanging animal pelts and other goods in exchange for European goods.
Lastly, while the exact impact the Iroquois had on the western side of the Mississippi is largely unknown, there are some clues to suggest that they did, in fact, occupy some part of the Western regions, such as Wisconsin and the Great Plains. Many of the tools found in these areas were strikingly similar to those markings found near ancient Iroquoian settlements in the east.
There is even some evidence that the Iroquois and other eastern tribes may have participated in some sort of diplomatic alliance with a series of indigenous communities from the west. This would have allowed them to maintain and strengthen relations with other tribes, and even perhaps create political charters to oversee harsher disputes.
Iroquois Cultural Heritage
The Iroquois cultural heritage is still visible today, despite its long history. Along with the other tribes located east of the Mississippi, the Iroquois have retained many of their customs and traditions, making them an important part in the cultural make-up of North America. From the oral traditions of war songs, to the traditional crafts of basket-weaving, the Iroquois have been able to pass down their culture and practices through generations, allowing them to remain a distinct cultural group.
Moreover, the foreign influence that their goods had on other tribes and cultural groups has also been well documented. For example, the Iroquoian pipe-stoppers, which were made of clay or stone, were highly desired by the Algonquin tribes to the north and by the Lakota to the west. Moreover, the techniques used to construct them were also shared, providing an example of intercultural exchange.
The Iroquois also have a rich history of storytelling, which is still practiced today. This includes both traditional stories, like creation myths, as well as more contemporary tales about European contact. Iroquois stories are often allegorical and teach valuable life lessons about respect for nature, honor, and integrity.
Impact of Colonization on Iroquois Tribes
The arrival of Europeans in the 16th century had a dramatic effect on the Iroquois and other Native American tribes in the east. In particular, disease was an important factor in both the displacement of some of the tribes and in the decrease of native populations. Many of the elderly and even pregnant women were unable to survive the illnesses that were brought by the colonizers.
Also, the arrival of Europeans had an effect on the way of life of the tribes of the east. Eventually, they were forced to change their hunting and gathering methods, and were moved onto reservations. In addition, their rights to the land were shifted from a communal to an individual one, which was a significant upheaval for tribes that depended on the land to survive.
Furthermore, the introduction of alcohol had a drastic effect on many of the tribes in the east. This substance had not been known to them before the Europeans came, and the effects it had on an entire generation were devastating. Some of the Iroquoian tribes have tried to combat the effects of alcohol on their reservation by organizing Twelve-Step and sobriety programs but there are still many of that are living with the brunt of these negative effects.
While it is clear that the Europeans had an immense impact on the Iroquois and other Native American tribes, it is also important to recognize that the tribes were able to retain much of their culture, while facing the adverse effects of colonization. Despite the displacement, disease, and other external pressures, the Iroquois tribes were able to remain a distinct group while maintaining the culture that has been passed down through many generations.
Modern Representation of Iroquois Tribes
Today, the Iroquois tribes are still present and have regained many of the rights and privileges that had been taken away from them during colonization. In particular, the tribes are beginning to take an active role in preserving and reviving their cultural practices and customs. This includes everything from language and storytelling to traditional music and crafts.
A large part of the revival of the Iroquois culture is through the use of modern media, like film and television. This has allowed the tribes to become better known and gain recognition for their culture. Iroquois documentaries, such as the PBS series We Shall Remain, have been particularly popular, as they provide an insider’s perspective of the culture and its customs.
Furthermore, many Iroquois tribes are beginning to take a more active role in their own representation. For instance, the Onondaga tribe has become a voice for indigenous peoples, particularly in the struggle for the protection of their sacred sites. Through their activism and advocacy, the Onondaga and other Iroquois tribes are helping to bring international awareness to their issues.
The Iroquois tribes have lived east of the Mississippi for centuries and, despite the various pressures of colonization and modern life, have managed to remain a distinct group. Through the use of the latest media, they are able to regain some of the cultural knowledge that had been lost during the period of colonization. Moreover, they are beginning to take a more proactive role in the protection and preservation of their sacred sites and cultural practices.
