Native American people
...ve a way of thinking, a way of feeling and interacting with their world. They use their knowledge of the world as a problem-solving tool that helps preserve their culture. The people refer to their way of life as "Ongwehonweka" meaning all the things that preserve the way of life of the Original People. Ongwehonweka represents all of the teachings, morals, philosophy, beliefs and values of their elders. The Haudenosaunee people educate their children on how to survive by teaching them how to use and care for the land. Children are thought that the universe is full of living beings; the sun, moon, stars, earth, winds, and rain it is their responsibility to care for all of it. The living spirit in all things animals, plants, water, and winds are also their responsibility. The Haudenosaunee people strive to live in harmony with nature like their ancestors did. "Ongwehonweka" Even though the Haudenosaunee are matrilineal and matrilocal they still believe in sharing of the labor. Everyone is equal and is a full partner in the society; no matter what their age, together they unite collectively to help the tribe. Beliefs are that everyone has a special gift or talent that can be used to benefit the larger community. Sharing of the labor and benefits of that labor helps the whole tribe. Clanship relations and names are important because it identifies whom ones family is. The family structure is very important because it is only through the family the Haudenosanee can pass on "Ongwehonweka". A Haudenosaunee child is essentially in survival school from the moment he/she is born. The principles that the child learns help them carry the torch of persistence for at least one more generation and so on. The Northern Algonquin are faced with the same struggles that the Haudenosanee are face with just in a different place. The Algonquin people are persistent activist that fight to preserve and use their land. These people are activist for the simple fact that they are willing to identify themselves and preserve their culture. They are also activist because they get involved in issues that concern them and their peoples well being. For example in the Northeastern area the northeastern Algonquins used birch bark for making items they need for survival. The outer bark of the tree is use for building canoes and the outer coverings o...