Curated by Tracy Chen '26

Birds of the Six Nations

Birds of the Haudenosaunee offers an immersive exploration of the birds central to the Iroquois Confederacy's cultural and spiritual heritage. It highlights the bald eagle, blue heron, hawk, and snipe. Each of these birds plays a distinct role in the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, symbolizing some of the distinct clans present. These clans represent family, specifically kinship ties that transcend geographical and tribe borders. From a broader context, birds (and animals) are sacred to Iroquois lore, embodying

Haudenosaunee's relationship with nature and emphasizing their inherent respect towards all living things.

Through the act of storytelling (an aspect essential to Haudenosaunee heritage), birds are woven into creation stories (Sky Women and Gifts of Creation) and personified to represent beings equal to or greater than mankind.

Caption information is drawn from the National Museum of the American Indian's Haudenosaunee Guide for Educators.

Learn more about Union College and Haudenosaunee lands. 

Selected Exhibit Images:

Location: 

This exhibit can be found in during the dates above in the Lally Reading Room, which is on the 1st floor of Schaffer Library. It's located in the back, behind the glass doors. 

Exhibit Acknowledgements: 

Curated by Tracy Chen '26.