Europeans often think of the land and water as resourcesResources are anything taken from the earth or nature that people need, use, and are “valued”…. to own and use. However, to many First Peoples, the land is much more than just a place on a map. The land is a being that we all have a relationship with. Iroquoian nations refer to the territory as Mother Earth.

Think about the relationship between a mom and a child. Being in a good relationship means giving and receiving. Just as a mother cares for her child, Mother Earth provides for people, and in return, people should show gratitude and care for her.

The climateClimate is the average and normal weather in a specific place or region.  for farming

The Iroquoian territory was fertileadjectif pour dire qu’un sol est bon pour l’agriculture.. This means it was good for farming.  It was located around the Great LakesThese are the group of five large lakes that begin the St. Lawrence River.  They are… and St. Lawrence Lowlands. The area had a humid continental climateContinental climate is a climate with winter temperatures cold enough to support a fixed period of…. The Iroquoians mainly grew corn, squash and beans, which they call the three sistersThe Three Sisters are the three main foods grown by various indigenous peoples in present-day North…. Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries grew well. There was also a wide variety of plants that were used in many ways, such as making medicines.

Water, forests and animals

There were many rivers on the territory. Getting around by canoe was very convenient. These rivers were also full of fish and turtles. The forests contained several species of trees, like birch, oak, elm, fir and pine. These are called mixed forests because they have both coniferous and deciduous trees. The forests were home to several species of animals such as beavers, deer, bears and wolves.

Sustaining life

Mother Earth provided the Iroquoians with natural resourcesResources are anything taken from the earth or nature that people need, use, and are “valued”…. that supplied everything they needed for food, clothingClothing- Items made from fabric, skins, or other materials that serve to protect and cover the…, shelter, medicine, and entertainment.