In December, Freida Jacques, an Onondaga Clan mother who lives on the Onondaga Nation visited The New School. Freida Jacques answered the many questions of our students and then shared their Thanksgiving address. After she left, our students reminisced about some of the information they gathered about the Haudenosaunee from her.

Moebius: If you are a kid you can talk to the chief. Moebius also liked that everybody in a clan pitches in to help.

Lola: The story about how Onondagas belong to a clan such as a turtle, or a bear.

Juliette and Noah: The story about how the clans evolved. A group of women were sent out into the land around, and when they returned they were asked what animal or bird they saw. Each woman then became the head of that clan. Juliette was impressed how everyone in the clan worked hard to keep the clan together. Noah liked how the clan is passed down through the women.

Muta: When people visit your home, you have to give food to the visitor and they have to accept it. Neona added it was smart of them to give food because it prevents a lot of problems.

Jonas: The Haudenosaunee believe women are superior.

Jake: All members of a clan used to live in one longhouse.

Josh: Two members of the same clan can’t marry.

Maia: Dennis Banks, an activist, was protected on the Onondaga nation in 1983. She also liked how much they cared about keeping their tribes together.

Ben: Their efforts to remain independent and to keep their own sovereign nation.

Asher: The genocide of the Haudenosaunee people was impacted by the early colonies such as New Amsterdam.

Neona: Hearing Freida Jacques give the Thanksgiving address.

Ace: How the English, Canadian, Australian, and US refuse to recognize the validity of the Onondaga passports and how it prevented them from participating at a Lacrosse game in England.

Moebius: One bowl and One Spoon story, which tells of taking only what you need, and only take what is given to you.