Colonialism Unit ENG 11
Native American Culture and Literature
Name: _____________________________
“from the Iroquois Constitution” Translated by Arthur C. Parker pg. 42
Critical Reading
1. If you were the chief of a Native American nation, would this document persuade you to join the
Confederacy? Explain why, or why not.
2. (a.) What do the lords plant to commemorate their meeting?
(b.) What to the roots of this plant symbolize?
3. (a.) According to the Constitution, what must confederate lords do to open a council meeting?
(b.) What does this decree suggest about the Iroquois?
4. (a.) Summarize the qualities and conduct required of council lords by the Iroquois Constitution.
(b.) How well do these qualities apply to leaders in our modern world?
5. Do you agree with and support the ideas presented in the Iroquois Constitution? Explain why, or why
not.
6. In what ways, both practical and spiritual, do the Iroquois rely on the natural world?
Colonialism Unit ENG 11
Recognizing the use of Symbolism. Complete the following chart identifying what these symbols
represent in the Iroquois Constitution.
Symbols
The Tree of Great Long Leaves
The Great White Roots
Eagle
Council Smoke and Fire
String of Shells
Deer Antlers
The thickness of your Skin
Your Heart
Represents