About NOON
Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON) is a grassroots organization of Central New Yorkers which recognizes and supports the sovereignty of the traditional government of the Onondaga Nation. It is a program of the Syracuse Peace Council. NOON supports the right of native peoples to reclaim land, and advocates for fair settlement of any claims which are filed.
The goals of NOON are to:
- Promote understanding of, and respect for, the Onondaga people, history, and culture within the Central New York community.
- Provide accurate information about the Onondaga Nation's current issues of concern, such as their Land Rights Action.
- Challenge racism towards the Onondaga people through education, building relationships, and encouraging shared experiences between the people of our Nations.
- Support, and collaborate with, the Onondaga Nation in their initiatives to promote environmental healing and restore respectful relationships between the governments of our Nations.
- Advocate for just and fair treatment of the Onondaga people at all levels of our own government.
What You Can Do
Everyone has gifts that they bring to the discussion of any issue. Please use your talents
to help create understanding and reason at this crucial time. We are asking that you show
your support of our neighbors, the Onondagas:
- Sign NOON's solidarity statement
- Educate yourself and others with background materials
- Write a letter to the editor of the Post-Standard, Syracuse New Times and other publications
- Request a presentation by NOON at your faith community/school/community organization, or organize a house party
- Attend a craft fair or public cultural event on the Onondaga Nation
- Get involved with NOON; check out our volunteer form (PDF)
- Speak up in every day conversation that the issue is acknowledgement of land rights and justice; listen to friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and then express your support, knowledge and experience to correct misconceptions, increase understanding and dispel fears
- Clarify that the people of the Onondaga Nation have stated that they will not evict anyone remind others that no one has ever been evicted because of a land claim; emphasize he focus of redress by the Onondagas on the environment which we all share.
Show Your Support
Show your support for our neighbors with buttons (above, $1 suggested donation) and bumperstickers (below, $1.50 suggested donation), available at the Peace Council office at 2013 East Genesee St.
NOON Advocates Ban on "Hydrofracking"
Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation enthusiastically supports the Atlantic
Chapter of the Sierra Club's resolution of October 17, 2009 calling on
the NYS Legislature to enact a ban on permitting gas wells that use horizontal
drilling and hydro-fracturing. We take this position after hearing from
friends at the Onondaga Nation that their concerns on this issue went
unheeded by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Read
our news release.
Over 100 people attended the 10/29/09 informational meeting co-sponsored
by NOON. Read more
Read more about
"hydrofracking"
Thanksgiving Day Circle of Peace and Hope at Onondaga Lake Park on Thursday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. Join Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation to express our thanks to the Onondaga Nation and people for their leadership on ecological preservation and social healing. (Map)
From the Earth Arts and Crafts Show is Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Onondaga Nation School, Route 11A, Onondaga Nation. Featuring a special performance by the Haudenosaunee Singers and Dancers from 1-2 p.m. Beadwork, pottery, sculptures, baskets, jewelry, embroidery, wood carvings, paintings and an assortment of delicious foods. Free parking and admission.
NOON announces plans for a second major educational series: Onondaga Land Rights & Our Common Future, part II will begin in mid-February 2010 and run through the year. This collaboration will be even larger than the 2006 version, including major participation from Syracuse University, SUNY ESF as well as support from Le Moyne College, Empire State College and others.
Watch an online video of environmental scientist and NOON supporter Don Hughes offering a guided tour via canoe of prospects to clean up and revitalize Onondaga Creek.
NOON Common Council Resolution Campaign on hold until
after upcoming election: Keep your eyes out for the restart of our effort in early 2010 to get
the Syracuse Common Council to pass the Resolution of Respect for and
Reconciliation with the Onondaga Nation. The resolution acknowledges
the illegal taking of Onondaga land and commits the city of Syracuse to
working with the Onondaga to clean up the environment and promote social
healing, build positive and respectful relations with our Onondaga neighbors
and redress the injustices which have occurred.
Support the Onondaga Nation - Urge
the Syracuse Common Council to pass a Resolution of Respect for and Reconciliation
with the Onondaga Nation.
News
Honoring the Onondaga Nation: The History and Context of the Washington Square Park Monument - an informational brochure
Article: Taxing Up the Wrong Tree - from the Peace Newsletter
Article: Working To Truly Clean Up Onondaga Lake - an update on the Lake's cleanup status and what you can do
NOON's Andy Mager was interviewed by "Indigenous Politics: From Native New England and Beyond," a Connecticut radio program. The topic was "Tribal and Non-Native Alliance Building." The interview can be downloaded here.
Check out videos from the historic educational series "Onondaga Land Rights and Our Common Future", coordinated by NOON in 2006.
Onondaga County Scraps ineffective "sewage treatment" in favor of green technology. This is a big victory for the Onondaga Nation, the Partnership for Onondaga Creek and all the people of the region.
Read background on some of the historical markers concerning the Onondaga people in the Central New York area on our Markers Project page. This ongoing project looks first at two historical markers near Jamesville, N.Y.