Onojutta-Haga facts for kids

The Onojutta-Haga or Juniata people were original inhabitants of the land near the Juniata River in what is now southern Pennsylvania. They were also sometimes called the Iotteca.

Who Were the Juniata People?

The Juniata people were a group of Native Americans. They lived along the Juniata River and its smaller streams. This area is in the southern part of modern-day Pennsylvania. Not much is known about them today. This is because they were a smaller group. Many small Native American groups in Pennsylvania's inland areas are not well-documented.

A Look at Their History

By the year 1648, the Juniata people faced challenges. They became helpers for a stronger tribe. This tribe was called the Susquehannock. The Susquehannock spoke an Iroquoian language. It is thought that the Juniata people might have joined the Susquehannock. They may have become part of their community.

What Happened to the Juniata?

Later, the Susquehannock tribe was defeated. They were forced to leave the Susquehanna Valley. When this happened, the Juniata people likely left with them. They were probably included among the Susquehannock who were spread out. This means the Juniata people's separate identity faded over time.

Their Language and Culture

The Onojutta-Haga, or Juniata, spoke an Iroquoian language. This language family was shared by many other tribes.

Other Iroquoian-Speaking Tribes

Some other groups that spoke Iroquoian languages included:

• The Erie people, who lived near Lake Erie.
• The Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. This powerful group was also known as the Haudenosaunee. By 1722, they were a major force.
• The Wyandot (or Huron) tribe. They lived north of the Great Lakes.

Sharing a language often meant sharing cultural traditions too. This shows how different Native American groups were connected.