Iroquois Women: The Three Sisters

The three sisters referred to in the subtitle are the traditional Native American plants of corn, beans, and squash, although they are only referred to in passing in this interesting but disorganized tape. Onandaga, Oneida, and Mohawk interviewees reflect on the importance of women in Iroquois culture, such as the clan mother, who insures that the chief is looking out for the tribe's good, serves as a counselor, and organizes care for families in crisis. In addition, the tape features a brief discussion of matriarchal culture, pointing out that it was traditionally the woman's role to cultivate the fields and run the home: cooking, cleaning, and preserving food for winter along with childrearing. Viewers are likely to wonder just what the men were doing, but the 10-minute running time is simply too short to present more than a cursory look at this subject. Part of acclaimed filmmaker Pat Ferrero's Northeast Region series, which also includes Great Law of the Iroquois, Skywalkers, and Urban Identities (series price: $199 for high schools and public libraries; $249 for colleges and universities), Iroquois Women: The Three Sisters might be considered for comprehensive Native American collections, but is optional elsewhere. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Reagan)