Photo of traditional Oneida headwear

Traditional Oneida headwear is called kasto:wíhe' (ga-sto-wi). Replica kasto:wíhe' are on exhibit at the Shako:wi Cultural Center.

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Maintaining a Hold on the Past

Beadwork, Photographs Among Oneida Treasures

Story Created: Aug 21, 2008 at 3:45 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 13, 2009 at 3:23 PM EDT

Since the Nation entered its renaissance, a consistent effort has been made to maintain a tender hold upon its rich past. From assembling one of the largest known collections of Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) beadwork or gathering photographs of generations past for its own archives, the Nation wishes to keepsake its history.

Among our efforts:

• The Nation actively pursues artifacts of significance to its past in an effort to reclaim part of its patrimony.Recent Artifact Purchase Quite a Find

• The Nation is collecting Member photographs to chronicle what is known of the lives of those seen through the lens of the camera and of time.

• Members are actively participating in language classes and learning the ancient art of lacrosse stick making. Still other Members are active on the lacrosse court.

• The Nation's Shako:wi Cultural Center is filled with items from the Oneida's rich past, and Members and guests are welcome to explore the Oneida's arts and crafts through scheduled classes. Learn more about Shako:wi Cultural Center.

• The Oneida Nation pledged $10 million to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian. ''Allies in War, Partners in Peace,'' a bronze statue commissioned by the Oneida Nation, sits on the fourth floor of the museum and depicts the friendship forged during the Revolutionary War between the Oneida Nation and the United States. The 19 ½-foot, 2,200 lb. statue represents Oneida Chief Shenendoah and an Oneida woman, Polly Cooper, along with Gen. George Washington.
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Latest News

  • Kuhl Highlights Oneida Women in History at DFAS Lunch Event

    Kathy Kuhl, Oneida Nation’s Central New York Indian Outreach Coordinator, was a recent guest speaker at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service’s (DFAS) Women’s History Month ‘Lunch-and-Learn’ event. Kuhl told of the rich history and accomplishments of Oneida women. Her talk told of Sky Woman, the Three Sisters, Two Kettles, Polly Cooper, Mary Winder and the many Oneida women who have served and are currently serving this country as members of the armed forces. Her talk focused on the accomplishments of these and other Oneida women in history and she shared with the group information about the role of women in Oneida culture, a matrilineal society.

    Photo submitted by Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Rome Read more »

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