Turtle Island

According to Iroquois oral history, Sky Woman fell down to the earth when
it was covered with water. Various animals tried to swim to the bottom of
the ocean to bring back dirt to create land. Muskrat succeeded in gathering
dirt, which was placed on the back of a turtle, which grew into the land
known today as North America.
Turtles are a symbol of the earth in many different Native cultures. To
Plains Indians, turtles are associated with long life, protection, and
fertility. In other tribes, turtles are often associated with healing, wisdom, and
spirituality.
The Medicine Wheel on the shell represents the four directions.