Heritage, the former Oneida Heritage Sales and Rentals in Sherrill, is now located in Turning Stone Resort Casino. The new store location is easily accessible to Turning Stone’s guests to explore the beauty and craftsmanship of hand-made Oneida and other American Indian arts and crafts. Heritage is conveniently located in the first floor retail corridor between Mr. Shop and The Parlor.
“When guests come in, they will see us creating our pieces right in the store,” said Ron Patterson (Wolf Clan), who advises on merchandise offerings at Heritage. “That’s the draw. They want to see Haudenosaunee goods and how they are made.”
The store is open seven days a week from 11am to 7pm.
Ron is the manager of the Shako:wi Cultural Center and provides the store with custom-made, hand-carved wooden lacrosse sticks for sale. Karen Pierce (Turtle Clan), an Oneida artist who worked at the previous location, is the lead sales associate. She often can be found beading at the desk set up next to a print of Don Troiani’s famed “The Oneidas at the Battle of Oriskany” painting. Karen is excited to show guests the process that goes into beading.
“I’m hoping it will be really busy,” she said at the store’s opening. “Being able to bead and share our culture with everyone is wonderful.”
Visitors are able to see her technique and artistry up close. Ron also uses the desk area to do his leatherworking.
The wooden lacrosse sticks, leather moccasins and pouches, beaded jewelry, along with other made-to-order goods from Oneida artisans are displayed prominently throughout the store. Requests can also be made for custom orders.
The award-winning Oneida Indian Nation animated short films – “My Home” and “Raccoon and Crawfish” – are also available.
Visit Heritage the next time you stop into Turning Stone.
