The Circle Wampum
A short Native explanation of the 50 chiefs and their responsibilities. This is a very short page, so both of its paragraphs are included.
This page is a simplified version of the original text (leveled toward 800L). Photos, maps, and other images are not on this page — use the original link above to see them.
Words with a dotted underline have a Word Help card pinned beside the paragraph.
The circle wampum is a very important belt for the Haudenosaunee. The equal strands of wampum stand for the 50 chiefs. Each chief is equal and united. The one longer strand stands for the people. When we are born, our heart is in the middle of the circle. As we grow, the chiefs and the people work to keep the circle strong.
The chiefs are said to be holding hands and forming a large circle. Inside the circle are the ways of the Haudenosaunee. These are the language, ceremonies, culture, and way of life of our people. The people inside this circle follow the ways set down from the Creator. It is the chiefs’ responsibility to protect and continue the ways of the Haudenosaunee. If a person does not follow the ways of the Creator and the Haudenosaunee, they are said to have “left the circle.” They are no longer under the protection of the 50 chiefs.