People of the Longhouse

The Iroguoian people-Huron, Iroquois and many others-lived throughout the Great Lakes basin and the St. Lawrence River valley.Their lands were rich in game, criss-crossed by waterways and well suited for agriculture. They cleared fields around large fortified villages and lived in longhouses made of wood. Men's activities centered on hunting, fishing and a far-reaching trade with other tribes. Women grew and harvested the crops of corn, beans and squash. These abundant resources made possible a sophisticated culture. They formed leagues with laws and a constitution, invented games like lacrosse and used wampum shells as a form of exchange.

This book describes in fascinating detail every aspect of the Iroquoian way of life-farming, hunting, trading, beliefs, clothing, housing, clans and villages, political structure, warfare-as well as the impact of contact with Europeans.

Jillian Ridington has taught native studies and works as a freelance researcher, writer and broadcaster. Robin Ridington teaches anthropology at the University of British Columbia. The are also the authors of People of the Trail.

Ian Bateson is a freelance artist whose books include People of the Trail and People of the Ice.