The Haudenosaunee

First Americans

by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, Ronald Himler (Illustrator)

In this new and updated edition, award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Haudenosaunee peoples.

Did you know that lacrosse was invented by the Haudenosaunee peoples? They originally called it the Medicine Game or the Creator’s Game. Learn about the nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy: Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, Senecas, and Tuscaroras. In this accessible introduction, read about the Haudenosaunee creation story, democratic government, precious wampum beads, religious ceremonies, and more.

Expertly reviewed by a member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, this updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Haudenosaunee people of the past and present. Historical information is accompanied by a section on modern life.

Author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve grew up on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe. She has brought the richness of Native American culture and heritage to thousands of children for over 40 years as a teacher and children’s book author. Her First Americans books introduce young readers to the many diverse and unique Native American nations that first called this land home.

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 17, 2026

About the author

Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve was born and raised on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. She was the daughter of an Episcopal priest and a Lakota Sioux mother. Sneve received her B.S. and M.Ed. in 1954 and 1969, respectively, from South Dakota State University. She has taught English in public school of South Dakota, and at the Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau. Her career also includes editor at the Brevet Press in Sioux Fall, S.D. Sneve is a member of the board of directors, Native American consortium, Corporation for Public Broadcasting ; member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe; member of board of directors of United Sioux Tribes Cultural Arts; and Historiographer of the Episcopal Church of South Dakota.