Legends and Lore

IMAGE How the leaves change colors

Autumn Color

In this version of a popular Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) legend, we learn how the autumn leaves get their color. Read more »

The Hermit Thrush

In this version of an Oneida legend a vibrant mosaic complete with birds of every type is created. Read more »

Honoring Women

Honoring women has been an integral part of Oneida and Haudenosaunee culture since time immemorial. Read more »

Conservation: A Haudenosaunee View

The Haudenosaunee have long known the importance of conserving Mother Earth’s bounty. They also know it is foolhardy to take too much of the abundance given by the Creator, for this upsets the balance of all things. Read more »

The Legend of the No Face Doll

Since that time, the Haudenosaunee people do not put a face on their corn husk dolls. This is to remind people, never to think that they are better than anyone else or a great punishment will fall upon them. Read more »

The Legend of How the Bear Lost Its Tail

The legend of How the Bear Lost Its Tail is one of many traditional Haudenosaunee stories told from generation to generation. Read more »

How the Clans were Chosen

The legend of how clans were chosen is believed to have its origins in the Haudenosaunee mourning process. Read more »

Legend of the Mosquitoes

Every year as the warm weather returns, an unpleasant accompaniment to balmy climes also makes a reappearance – the mosquitoes. The Haudenosaunee have an explanation as to why these pesky creatures torment people during the milder months. Read more »

The Great Spirit

The Oneida People have always esteemed their Elders. The Oneidas have traditionally believed much can be learned by listening to the advice of those with years of living experience. Read more »

The Legend of Thunder Boy

The story of Thunder Boy is a legend told by the Haudenosaunee to explain the existence of the rumbling in the sky that often accompanies the spring rains. Read more »

June is the Month of the “Strawberry Moon”

The strawberry – Aw⋀hihte’ in Oneida – has long been a revered gift of the Creator in Oneida and Haudenosaunee culture. Read more »

How Medicines Came to the Haudenosaunee

Among the People of the Longhouse, the bear symbolizes gentleness and strength. The Bear Clan is attuned to spiritual well-being and medicinal healing, and the health of each village has rested in the hands of Bear Clan medicine women since time immemorial. Here is the story of how the women of the Bear Clan were chosen to learn the healing powers of the flora around them. Read more »

  • Nation Honors Employees with 10-15-20 Years of Service

    Oneida Indian Nation employees with 10, 15 and 20 years of service were recognized at a Sept. 1 dinner. The Nation employment is now at about 4,800 and includes employees from both the government and business enterprises, including Turning Stone Resort and Casino. The Nation is the largest employer in Oneida and Madison counties, and the fourth largest employer in the16 counties of greater Central New York. This year, 154 employees reached the various career milestones.

    The employees honored are listed on the next page. Click the headline above. Read more »

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