HISTORY
Making their mark in American history, the Oneida Indian Nation became the first ally to America when they joined the colonists in their fight for independence during the American Revolutionary War. In 1794, after the victory over the British and many hardships for the Oneidas, George Washington signed the Treaty of Canandaigua recognizing the Oneida Indian Nation as a sovereign entity. The agreement granted federal protection of 300,000 acres.
Oneida Indian Nation homelands originally consisted of more than six million acres stretching from the St. Lawrence River to the Susquehanna River. Oneida villages thrived in and around the present-day communities of Stockbridge, Oneida Castle, Canastota, Oriskany, the city of Oneida and elsewhere in what are now Oneida and Madison counties.
By the early 1900s, illegal state treaties nearly depleted the Oneida Indian Nation of its homeland. The Oneidas did what they had to do to survive. Some moved, some sold their land. The Oneidas had to fight to recover the last 32 acres granted to them. The federal government filed suit in U.S. District Court in 1919 to help the Oneida Indian Nation reclaim this land.
Today, the Oneida Indian Nation has regained more than 18,000 acres of their original homelands – the most they have had recognized sovereignty over since 1824. A slow steady climb and dedicated perseverance has led to a resurgence for the Oneida Indian Nation that today prospers through their many diverse enterprises.
This economic upturn has allowed the Oneida Indian Nation to provide many
programs and services to its Members as well as reinvest in their enterprises and community to become an economic engine in the Central New York region,
as one of the largest employers in the state.
Did You Know? Curiouser and Curiouser
Back in the day (the day being circa 1910), a group of City of Oneida businessmen had the idea to found a boosters club, a form of civic organization recently come into vogue, touting cities [...]
Did You Know? The Timelessness of Oneida Hospitality
Oneidas are famous for their hospitality. Noted as warm, welcoming and sharing hosts, Oneidas continue this tradition that spans centuries. The following is a written account of such generos [...]
Did you know? Oneida Nicholas ‘Saucy Nick’ Sharp
Nicholas Sharp was an Oneida Indian also known as Saucy Nick. His Indian name was Loghtandye, which means 'He Continues Speaking'. Nick was probably born around 1755 and lived a very interes [...]
Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Founding Fathers
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy preceded the formation of the United States by centuries. Many of the tenants put forth by the Nations of the Confederacy are regarded as precursors to the prec [...]
Treaty of Canandaigua Anniversary Nov. 11
While we honor the men and women who are and have served in the U.S. armed forces on Veterans Day, members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, including the Oneida Indian Nation, also mark the [...]
Book Chronicles Hamilton Colleges Founding as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy to Today
In May of 2012 Hamilton College, which began as a school for the Oneida, celebrated its 200th anniversary. Included in the event’s highlights was the unveiling of the book “On the Hill: A Bi [...]