Wampum belts were what the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) created to enshrine and commemorate treaties or historical events. As such, the Haudenosaunee have many wampum belts that are over 1,000 years old and several that commemorate the first contact with the Europeans. Today, the Iroquois are fighting several battles, they are still fighting to maintain their sovereignty with the United States; they are still fighting for recognition as human beings from the Vatican, trying to reverse the Doctrine of Discovery that has been in place since the late 1400s; and they are trying to raise awareness around how humans live on the earth, as their prophecies tell of oncoming disastrous weather due to extreme climate change. It is within this context that this project is born.

The Iroquois are stepping up in the “last stand” to explain the wholeness of their vision of the earth and how humans can live in harmony with the earth to last many generations into the future. They are doing this through this project, the Digital Wampum belt. The narrative of the project as it has emerged has been presented and accepted by the Iroquois.

The narrative includes the need for an understanding about humanity’s stewardship of the earth and the urgency to find solutions to climate change. This needs to be an agreement between this generation and future generations. 

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Purpose

The Iroquois are embarking on an historic project about the 500-year history of the Iroquois, their relationship with Europe and America and their prophesies that, if heard, can help us navigate the oncoming changes due to climate change. This series of short films creates the space for the Iroquois to tell their story as they strive to uphold the traditions and the legacy of their people while also protecting the central tenents of their people and their relationship and care for the Earth.  The series will continue to grow over the year.