Onondaga Land Rights

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Onondaga Land Rights: The Struggle for Justice Continues

On March 11, 2005 the Onondaga Nation filed an historic Land Rights Action in federal court in Syracuse. Their action was unique in focussing on the rights of the land as well as their call for justice for New York State's illegal taking of their land. For further information about the land rights action, see the Onondaga Nation website at http://www.onondaganation.org. Also available: Onondaga Nation Announces Land Rights Action (March 10, 2005).

On September 22, 2010 federal court Judge Kahn dismissed the Onondaga Land Rights Action, following the higher court precedents which made any other decision difficult. Read Judge Kahn's decision here (pdf file, 16 pp.).

NOON responded with a vigil the following evening (video) to express our sadness and dismay at this travesty of justice. We began discussions about how to continue the work of getting our nation to live up to the terms of the treaties we have signed with the Onondaga and other Haudenosaunee Nations. We are working with the Onondaga leadership to the develop The Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign to take this case to the people of New York States. In the meantime, the Onondaga filed an appeal of their case in late February. Check out their news conference in Washington, DC.

In 2006 and again in 2010, NOON coordinated "Onondaga Land Rights and Our Common Future," a collaborative educational series to offer the community background information to understand the land rights action and related issues. Both series are well documented, with video, transcripts and reports available online. Check it out.

Specific Goals of the Onondaga Land Rights Action

To achieve a healing with our neighbors of the centuries of difficulties caused by the illegal taking of Onondaga and Haudenosaunee lands.
To restore to the Onondaga Nation recognition of title to its aboriginal territory.
To recover possession of portions of this territory from New York State and willing sellers for use of the Onondaga people.
To secure a continuing source of revenue from the Nation's lands without displacing persons from the land.
To secure revenues and land sufficient to achieve economic self-sufficiency, including:
- An adequate supply of quality housing
- A quality education system
- Affordable, quality health care
- Sound and sustainable agricultural programs
- Programs for the proper care of elders and youth
- A program for environmental restoration and protection
- Employment opportunities for the Nation and its neighbors.

"To protect and conserve the natural resources within and affecting the Nation's land, as a means of safeguarding all citizens' rights to a natural, healthy and environment.
"To obtain basic recognition of the rights of the Onondaga Nation, including those rights agreed upon in treaties with the United States.
"To secure Onondaga rights to hunt, fish and gather for subsistence and for cultural needs.
"To secure adequate protection for the burial sites of our ancestors, as well as other important sacred and archaeological sites.
"To resolve all ongoing conflicts with the state and federal governments, particularly regarding taxation and jurisdiction.
"To provide for the growth and perpetuation of Onondaga culture, language, laws, religion, and way of life."

A detailed, four-page information flier (PDF) about the Onondaga Land Rights Action is available for download.

Maps of the Traditional Onondaga Nation Territory

Update: Aug. 1, 2005 - Onondaga presses forward with land rights action targeting corporate polluters

NOON Supports the Onondaga Land Rights Action

As residents of New York State we support the land rights action filed by the Onondaga Nation against the State of New York on March 11, 2005.

We understand that no individual will be sued and that there is no action requested against any individual property owners. Our homes are not in jeopardy.
We thank the Onondagas for their efforts to protect and heal the water, land and air, which we all share, from the devastating effects of industrial pollution of the environment.
We share these environmental concerns, and pledge our support for a just resolution to this legal action. It is our intention to contribute to making right the historic wrongs done to the Onondaga people.
We are hopeful that the outcome of this process will be a safer and healthier environment for all of us, for our children and the generations to follow.

Sign our solidarity statement

(Print version also available)

Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation

Working in Solidarity with the Onondaga Nation

Onondaga Land Rights: The Struggle for Justice Continues

NOON Supports the Onondaga Land Rights Action

Sign our solidarity statement