Hiawatha and the Iroquois League of Nations

Presented by Lower and Primary Schools, Grades JrK-2

"He hath made all nations of men to dwell on the face of the earth." - Acts 16:26

The Native Americans were living in this land long before the colonists arrived. When Christopher Columbus came, he thought he had reached the Indies and he called the Native Americans "Indians."

Different tribes have lived in certain areas of North America. The Pueblo, Navajo and Apache lived in the Southwest.

In the Southeast lived the Chickasaw, Seminole and Cherokee. The Iroquois, Huron and Chippewa likely lived in the Northeast and Central Plains.

Tribes of the Great Plains include the Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Dakota, and Comanche.

The Pacific Coast tribes were the Shoshone, Pomo and Gosuites. Sacagawea was of the Shoshone Tribe. She helped Lewis and Clark in their expedition.

Native Americans believed the earth was a precious gift that they were allowed to bless and use. They respected all life on earth and used only what they needed.

The Native Americans helped English settlers and the Pilgrims in America. They traded furs and introduced new crops. They taught them how to hunt and fish.

An old Indian named Deganawidah had a vision of a huge tree spreading its roots to every tribe, uniting them and bringing peace.

A young Iroquois named Hiawatha went from tribe to tribe among the Iroquois convincing them to join this league of nations.

Our Founding Fathers knew about and respected the Iroquois Nation. Benjamin Franklin reportedly told members of the thirteen colonies to take an example from them on how to unite separate states.

Thomas Jefferson mentioned the League in his autobiography and said it was a model for the United States Constitution.

One section of the Iroquois Constitution is titled “Rights of the People” and might be compared to our Bill of Rights.

We are all God’s children and all have gifts to share.

By Mrs. Denise Gorrell

Primary School Teacher

Following this historical thought, senior Kate Boynton performed a cello concerto, accompanied by Ms. Ballard.

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This historical thought was delivered by our Lower and Primary School students at devotional on 2/5/2026. Each week one class leads the student body in prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, scripture recitation, a meditation, and an historical thought. Belmont family and friends are welcome, Thursdays 8:30-9:05 am.

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