Citing historical geographical ties and current bonds of friendship, the leaders of the Oneida Indian Nation presented a gift of $125,000 to the Village of Chittenango in a ceremony held in 2005 at the Village Hall. The friendship gift has helped the Village of Chittenango complete a long-desired downtown street lighting improvement project by providing the funds to pay for 50 new street lights and their wiring installation.

In making the presentation, Nation Representative Ray Halbritter told a large gathering of Chittenango village officials, business leaders, and citizens that simple acts of kindness are often underestimated in today's world. Especially in the local region, cooperation helps get things done, and enduring friendships support long-term relationships, he said.