Description: Written or cowritten by American Indians to reflect the Indian point of view, this series covers the cultural history of the diverse tribes that comprise the Indian Nations of North America. Each book opens with a folk tale, legend, or creation story that sets the scene, each title includes information on the origins of the tribe, its way of life, key historical events, religions or spiritual life and traditions, family life, contemporary life, and the future envisioned for a specific Indian nation.

Members of the Iroquois Confederacy which was formed before 1500 and consisted mostly of the Indian groups around the Finger Lakes district of New York, the Oneidas first came into contact with Europeans when the French started exploring the St. Lawrence River and the neighboring regions. The Oneidas were exposed to diseases by European traders and to Christianity by Protestant missionaries. Despite their help to the colonists during the American Revolution, the Oneidas were pressured to sell their lands and some moved to Wisconsin, others to Canada, while a few remained in New York. Excellent wood carvers and basket makers, the Oneidas also farmed, growing corn, beans, and squash, and hunted for deer, rabbits, and other animals, and fished. Men also played lacrosse.

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