Secret: I used to think history wasn’t relevant. That’s why I try hard to show my students how history unfolds around us every day.
It’s simple pedagogy, but I have so much fun with it! You may already know this story….let me know if you do!
My students did a lesson about the League of Nations and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy—aka”Six Nations” (which is of course English) or “Iroquois” (also colonial).
The League of Nations (precursor to the United Nations), created in that moment of great possibilities after WWI, promised to protect the sovereignty of nations.
So, in 1923, Deskaheh (Haudenosaunee hereditary chief and speaker) travelled to the League of Nations in Geneva to appeal for protection from the illegal occupation by the Canadian government.
As a nation trapped within Canada’s political boundaries, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy appealed to “invoke the action of the League of Nations to secure… Recognition of their independent right of home-rule….“
Deskaheh’s efforts initially won backing from the Netherlands, Estonia, Ireland, Panama, and Persia. Most backed off, however, after an aggressive coordinated effort by Canadian and British officials, in which Indian Affairs called Deskaheh “a great trouble maker“ (1923).
Did you know…
- The Haudenosaunee invented lacrosse? (Their team—The Nationals—travel with Haudenosaunee passports).
- The first known Haudenosaunee (Six Nations) passport was issued in 1923 to Deskaheh for his journey to Geneva?
- The Haudenosaunee Nationals are one of the best lacrosse teams in the world?
- World Lacrosse is the only international sport organization to recognize Indigenous nations?
- Lacrosse will be played in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles?
The International Olympic Committee has yet to decide if the Nationals will compete in 2028. Since the Canadian TRC, however, support for the team has grown—even the Canadian sport minister says she hopes the team will be allowed to “compete under their own flag.“
