Native America Lecture Notes
Introduction
- Native America has a history stretching over 13,000 years.
- Common belief among tribes: deep connection to earth, sky, water, and all living things.
- Ceremonies illustrate connectedness with nature and all creation.
Early Native American Societies
- Developed governments from dictatorships to democracies.
- Inspired the U.S. Constitution.
- Democracy’s birthplace: Onondaga Lake, Syracuse, New York.
- Established first democracy around 1150, predating U.S. democracy by 600 years.
Influence on U.S. Founding Fathers
- Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were inspired by Native American democracy.
- Franklin printed speeches advocating democracy.
- U.S. adopted symbols like the 13-arrow bundle from Native American practices.
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
- Known as the Iroquois by the French; prefer "Haudenosaunee" or "People of the Longhouse."
- Formed a union of five tribes: Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk.
- Wampum belts: sacred shell beads used to record history and treaties.
- Hiawatha Belt tells the story of America’s first democracy.
Ceremonial Traditions and Leadership
- Potlatch ceremony: honoring births, deaths, weddings, and new chiefs.
- Chiefs are chosen through lineage; symbolize authority and history.
- Cedar is significant in ceremonies and carvings.
Agricultural and Spiritual Practices
- Importance of corn and the three sisters (corn, beans, squash) in sustaining communities.
- Farming methods inspired governance principles.
- Agricultural practices led to a healthy diet and community cooperation.
Maya Civilization
- Corn central to Maya religion; kings like Pakal connected themselves spiritually to maize.
- Maya developed advanced cities with complex governance and religious systems.
Environmental Responsibility
- Native Americans emphasize the responsibility to care for earth and nature.
- Onondaga Lake's current pollution highlights the need for this respect.
Conclusion
- Native American governance and environmental principles remain relevant today.
- Their influence is seen in modern democratic and environmental practices.
Native American societies have greatly influenced modern governance with their deep respect for nature and unique systems of democracy and leadership.