Oneida Indian Nation and Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian Honor Oneida Heroine Polly Cooper for America's 250th

[Washington, DC – 22 July 2026] In celebration of America’s 250^th birthday, the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian partnered with the Oneida Indian Nation to present "First Allies: Polly Cooper and the Oneida Indian Nation"at the Museum on July 22, 2026. The program honored the Oneida Indian Nation's alliance with the American colonists during the Revolutionary War and recognized the enduring legacy of Polly Cooper, an Oneida heroine who helped prevent George Washington's army from starving during their Winter at Valley Forge.

A bipartisan group of legislators including Kansas Congresswoman and Co-Chair of the Native American Caucus Sharice Davids, New York Senator Kirstin Gillibrand, New York Congressmen Andrew Garbarino, Mike Lawler, Tim Kennedy, John Mannion, and Nick Langworthy, all spoke at the event, which explored the often-overlooked contributions of the Oneida Indian Nation to the country's founding and highlighted Indigenous perspectives on American history through cultural demonstrations, historical interpretation, and community engagement.

The event included traditional Oneida social dances and food demonstrations from Oneida elders; a showcase of the free resources available through the Smithsonian’s Native Knowledge 360° educational initiative; a screening of People of the Standing Stone: The Oneida Nation, the War for Independence, and the Making of America, narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner; and a closer look at the sculpture "Allies in War, Partners in Peace," a gift from the Oneida Indian Nation for the National Museum of the American Indian's opening in 2004 that depicts Polly Copper flanked by Oneida Chief Shenendoah and General George Washington.

“As we celebrate the 250th anniversary, it is important that we recognize the full spectrum of those who made possible the United States’ founding, honoring the sacrifices made to achieve our enduring freedoms,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative, Ray Halbritter. “Oneida ancestors were America’s first allies because they believed then, as we do now, that all people have an inherent right to sovereignty and self-determination.”

During the winter of 1777–78, Polly Cooper and other Oneidas traveled more than two hundred miles to deliver corn to General George Washington’s hungry soldiers. Cooper stayed even after the rest of the relief party departed and refused payment for her contributions. Oneida oral tradition tells that she later joined soldiers’ wives, including Martha Washington, to shop in Philadelphia, where the wives bought a shawl and bonnet for Cooper; the shawl remains a treasured possession for her descendants. Cooper is featured on the 2026 Native American $1 coin, which honors her selfless humanitarianism.

Photos from the event are available here.

About the Oneida Indian Nation

The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. A founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy), the Oneida Indian Nation sided with the Americans in the Revolutionary War and was thanked by Congress and President George Washington for its loyalty and assistance. Today, the Nation's enterprises, which employ more than 5,000 people, include Turning Stone Resort Casino, YBR Casino & Sports Book, Point Place Casino, The Lake House at Sylvan Beach, The Cove at Sylvan Beach, Maple Leaf Markets, SāvOn Convenience stores, Verona Collective, a seed-to-sale cannabis operation, RV Park, and marinas. Proceeds from these enterprises are used to rebuild the Nation's economic base and provide essential services, including housing, health care, and education incentives and programs, to its Members.