From the first stories to today, our connection to this land runs deep and unbroken.
We, the Onyota’a:ká:, one of the founding members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, have played a pivotal role in the story of Central New York since time immemorial. Today, our culture and traditions continue to thrive here in our ancestral homelands.
The Oneida Creation Story tells of Sky Woman's journey to Mother Earth. It is the oldest tradition of the Oneida People and teaches that within every heart, as within the world itself, both light and shadow must coexist.
In our language, Onyota’a:ká: means “People of the Standing Stone.” Our homelands once spanned some six million acres, stretching from the St. Lawrence River in the north to the Susquehanna River in the south.
The Oneida Indian Nation seal symbolizes the unity of the three clans of the Nation – the Turtle, Wolf and Bear. The focal point of the seal is a white pine tree, known as the Tree of Peace, which represents the good mind. Under the tree are four white roots, which represent purity and are spread in all four directions of Mother Earth.
The wampum belt located at the top of the tree represents all of the nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The three Oneida Clans are sheltered in the protection of the great Tree of Peace, and an eagle is strategically placed at the top of the tree to watch guard.
Oneidas are a matrilineal society; Clan and Nation Membership come from our mothers. Nation Members belong to one of three family Clans:
Aʼno:wál (Turtle), Thahyu:ní̲ (Wolf), or Ohkwa:lí̲ (Bear).
Longhouses were the typical dwelling unit of the Haudenosaunee People. They typically housed a number of families within the same Clan. A large village might contain as many as 120 longhouses with the average multi-family dwelling being approximately 60 feet long, 18 feet wide, and 18 feet high.
At one time, the Oneida, Mohawk, Seneca, Onondaga and Cayuga were in a perpetual state of war. It was a period of great upheaval that continued until the arrival of the Peacemaker, who brought The Great Law of Peace. The Great Law united the warring nations and led to the formation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
From ancient times to the present, onikó:lha̲’ (o knee goal), or wampum – made from quahog shells – attests to the truth, importance and significance of a message. It is the national and common property of the Oneida Indian Nation.
