About the Onondaga Land Rights Action
On March 11, 2005 the Onondaga Nation filed an historic Land Rights Action in federal court in Syracuse. The following is from the Onondaga Nation Communications Office. 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).
- "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.
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)