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? Oneidas Declared War on Germany in 1918
November 11, 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. On the anniversary of this great struggle, we reflect on the sacrifice of those who served, including Oneida Indians. [...]
“Forgotten Allies” Traces Oneida Involvement in American Revolution
When James Kirby Martin, professor of history at the University of Houston and one of the foremost authorities on the American Revolution, began to research the Oneida Indian Nation’s contri [...]
The Oneida – America’s First Allies
When the tension between the American colonies and the British grew into armed conflict, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy tried at first to remain neutral and then to reach agreement on which s [...]
Travels of an Heirloom: An Oneida Wampum String
Several years ago the Oneida Indian Nation reacquired a priceless heirloom from the American Museum of Natural History, New York City – a wampum string (pictured). Once held by Chief Chrisjo [...]
Oneidas and the Birth of the U.S.
Over two hundred years ago, near the site of the present-day Oriskany Battlefield Historic Site, there stood a thriving Oneida village called Oriska. In that village, Oneidas cared for their [...]
Veterans Treaty
1794 Treaty Commemorates Unique Bond Between Oneidas, U.S. November 11 is a day of critical importance for the Oneida Indian Nation, for two reasons. It is the anniversary of the Treaty of C [...]