History
The Onondaga Nation and Haudenosaunee Confederacy, of which it is a part, existed long before European settlers came to these shores. They had developed a sophisticated culture and governance style which allowed them to live harmoniously with the Earth.
After Europeans arrived in their territory, the Haudenosaunee negotiated on issues of trade and political alliances. At that time, the Haudenosaunee were the greatest power in the Northeast. Over several hundred years, the balance of power shifted greatly, with the Haudenosaunee losing nearly all their land and having their culture assaulted. However, they have maintained that culture and are in a period of renewal.
- Understanding Haudenosaunee Culture
PDF file (tri-fold brochure) - Onondaga Historical Timeline (PDF
file - tri-fold brochure)
- Historical Marker Background - An examination of historical markers related to Onondaga history (work in progress)
- Challenging the "Doctrine of Discovery": Religious Roots of Cultural Imperialism and Environmental Destruction - by Phillip P. Arnold
- The Two Row Wampum - the first
treaty between the Haudenosaunee and European settlers
PDF file (tri-fold brochure) - A Brief History of Haudenosaunee-U.S.
Relations
PDF file (tri-fold brochure) - Haudenosaunee Influences on the U.S.
Government: A Debt in Governance Style - by Bruce E. Johansen
PDF file (tri-fold brochure) - Iroquois Women Inspire 19th Century
Feminists - by Sally Roesch Wagner
PDF file (tri-fold brochure) - Suggestions for further reading
- Onondaga Nation's Land Rights Action Corporate Defendants: A simple matter of justice