Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation

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; complete our Get Involved form (PDF) and sent it back to us
• 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.

News

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.

Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign
Onondaga Nation agrees to parner with NOON on the new statewide educational/advocacy effort for 2013 - Polishing the Covenant Chain: Two Row Wampum Commemoration Campaign

Next Steps to Stop Hydrofracking
The deadline passed on January 11 for the NYS DEC's comment period on hydrofracking regulations. The struggle now continues, focused on Governor Cuomo and the NYS legislature. Check out NOON's Hydrofracking Action Guide. Check out the Youtube video of Debra Roger's recent presentation about the Economics of Hydrofracking. See ShaleshockCNY for full details and to get involved.

Preview of New Movie about Lacrosse
Check out the trailer for Crooked Arrows, an upcoming film about lacrosse that features many athletes from the Onondaga Nation. Keep your eyes out for information about a premiere showing in April.

First Step to Return Onondaga Lake Shore Land to the Onondaga Nation
NOON is delighted that the Onondaga County Legislature took the first step in what is likely to be a lengthy process by passing a resolution expressing their intent to return "Murphy's Island" to the Onondaga. We will continue to work with the Onondaga Shoreline Heritage Project to make this as a reality.

Onondaga Lake Community Education Program
The Onondaga Environmental Institute, working with the Onondaga Nation, has created a presentation to be shared with community groups entitled Re-Imagining the Vision for Onondaga Lake. Fact sheets on History and Fisheries accompany this program. View the presentation here. Volunteers from NOON will assist in program presentation. Offer to get involved here.

Onondaga Land Rights Series
This year long series was a great success. Look for updates about new plans and see the Full series reports, etc.

Oren Lyons profiled in CNY Magazine
A lengthy profile of Onondaga Nation faithkeeper Oren Lyons is printed in the January issue of Central New York Magazine. It features beautiful photos from throughout Oren's inspiring life. Check it out here (pdf file, 24 pp.)