Known as the fledgling United States’ first allies, the Oneidas played a key role in the birth of this Nation, and have overcome numerous challenges and hardships. We have a unique story to share, and we encourage you to learn more about us and our economic rebirth in our Central New York home. As we have progressed, we have maintained our traditional system of government, and are preserving our culture.

Today, through ingenuity, tenacity and hard work, the Oneida People have created a wealth of new opportunities and hope for ourselves and for the Central New York region.

The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. It is a member of the Haudenosaunee, known in English as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy. The word Haudenosaunee means “people of the longhouse.” The Oneida are known as the “people of the standing stone.”

The Oneida Indian Nation operates a variety of businesses to fund its government programs. These enterprises and the Nation’s government programs employ more than 4,900 people (most of them non-Native), making the Oneida Nation the largest employer in Madison and Oneida counties and one of the top employers in the 16 counties comprising Central New York.

Proceeds from the Nation’s enterprises are funneled into essential services for Oneida Members.

The Nation’s services to Members include a comprehensive health clinic, a congregate meals and enrichment program for Elders, an early childhood learning center, recreation and youth development programs, cultural education initiatives, housing programs and more.

The mission of the Oneida People is to restore their Nation to the strength and stability it enjoyed before Europeans landed on the shores of this country. The Oneida Nation is well on its way to achieving this goal.