A longhouse is a traditional dwelling used by various Indigenous peoples in North America, particularly among the Iroquois and Haudenosaunee tribes. These structures are typically elongated and made from wood, bark, and other natural materials. Longhouses can accommodate multiple families, reflecting the communal lifestyle of the tribes that built them. Inside a longhouse, there are separate living spaces for each family, often divided by partitions. The central area is usually used for cooking and social gatherings. Longhouses symbolize the importance of family and community in Indigenous cultures, serving as both a home and a gathering place for important events.