T-Shirt - Deep Roots of Democracy

The Hiawatha Wampum Belt (shown above) symbolizes the peaceful unification of five formerly-warring nations – the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida and Mohawk – into the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy over a thousand years ago.

Despite facing the onslaught of colonization, the Haudenosaunee provided inspiration and guidance to colonial leaders as they imagined and created a nation. The U.S. borrowed some ideas and symbols, but left out others  – including women, participatory democracy and true equality for all. 

In 1988, Congress passed H.Con.Res. 331 (100th), a concurrent resolution to acknowledge the contribution of the Iroquois Confederacy of Nations to the development of the United States Constitution. In 2010 the US mint produced a $1 coin highlighting this same history. Unfortunately, few schools at any level include this important aspect of United States history.

Also available as a long-sleeved T, postcard, magnet and bag.

Before creating any products with the Deep Roots words and wampum belt, we consulted with leaders of the Onondaga Nation to be sure they were comfortable with us using the words and images. Not doing so would be cultural appropriation. Royalties are also paid to the Onondaga Nation from the sale of these products.