Oneida Indian Nation

June 21, 2018 – Expanding on its already exceptional guest service and diverse offerings, Tin Woodman’s Flask, the wine and spirits superstore in Chittenango, is making the shopping experience even more convenient for guests. In time for graduation parties and summer celebrations, Tin Woodman’s Flask it will begin same-day delivery service, beginning tomorrow, June 22. Guests can view the wines and spirits available at Tin Woodman’s Flask online then can call-in orders for same day delivery (minimum $50 purchase). Same day delivery is guaranteed for all orders placed before 5:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. A $17.95 delivery fee will be added to orders of $50 to $249.99, and the delivery fee will be waived on orders of $250 or more. To place an order for delivery, guests can call 315.366.9500. For additional details and complete terms and conditions, visit the pre-order and delivery page online.

Since opening in November, the retailer has continued to expand its product variety, educational offerings and enhance the in-store guest experience. Educating guests about new and different wines and spirits is an important part of the in-store experience. Several days a week, guests have the opportunity to taste new wines and spirits during a variety of events at the Tasting Bar. The tasting events for this weekend feature New York wineries and distilleries, including 1911, Thousand Islands Winery, Finger Lakes Distillery and Dr. Konstantin Frank.

Additionally, on Tuesday, June 26, Tin Woodman’s Flask will also offer a free “Wine 101” class to educate guests more about wine. Taught by an Advanced Certified Sommelier, the one-hour “Wine 101” class teaches the basics of grapes, wine and food pairings, the history of wine making and some fun facts. Guests can register by calling 315.366.9500.

At Tin Woodman’s Flask, guests enjoy everyday low prices, 20 percent off cases of wine, including mix and match cases, and TS Rewards Members receive a five percent discount off every purchase (cannot be combined with any other offers). Guests can sign up for a free TS Rewards card in-store.

Store hours are Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6:00 p.m. For more information, including schedule of tasting events, visit www.tinwoodmansflask.com.

About the Oneida Indian Nation

The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. A founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy), the Oneida Indian Nation sided with the Americans in the Revolutionary War and was thanked by Congress and President George Washington for its loyalty and assistance. Today, the Oneida Indian Nation employs more than 4,750 people, include Turning Stone Resort Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino, Point Place Casino, the SāvOn convenience stores, Maple Leaf Markets, Tin Woodman’s Flask, RV Park, three marinas, and Four Directions Productions, a 3D animation HD cinematography studio. Proceeds from these enterprises are used to rebuild the Nation’s economic base and fund essential services, including housing, health care, and education incentives and programs, for the Oneida people.

June 26, 2018 – Tin Woodman’s Flask, a wine and spirits superstore in Chittenango proudly announced today it earned the Retailer of the Year Award from Beverage Dynamics, the largest and most respected national magazine in the industry. Tin Woodman’s Flask was lauded for its wide variety of products, an array of in-store educational offerings, including tasting events and interactive kiosks, well-versed staff, innovative loyalty program and offering a unique guest experience.

“It is an honor to earn the Retailer of the Year Award, especially within the first year of opening our doors,” said Brian Jobin, General Manager of Tin Woodman’s Flask. “We were deliberate in our strategy to offer a unique retail experience for our guests, and this recognition validates that philosophy and is a testament to our hardworking staff who are committed to providing the highest standard of guest service.”

Education is an integral part of the guest experience at Tin Woodman’s Flask, and one of the reasons it earned the Retailer of the Year Award. The store features weekly tasting events several times a week and also offered “Wine 101” classes twice this month to educate guests more about wine. Taught by an Advanced Certified Sommelier, the one-hour “Wine 101” class teaches the basics of grapes, wine and food pairings, the history of wine making and some fun facts. The next “Wine 101” class will be held tonight, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. The educational classes in July are “Spirits 101” held on Tuesday, July 17 with Prohibition Distillery and Tuesday, July 31 with St. Lawrence Spirits Distillery. Guests can register for all educational classes by calling 315.366.9500.

Expanding on its now award-winning guest service, Tin Woodman’s Flask announced last week its new same-day delivery service. Guests can view Tin Woodman’s Flask inventory online and then call-in orders for same day delivery (minimum $50 purchase). Same day delivery is guaranteed for all orders placed before 5:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. A $7.95 delivery fee will be added to orders of $50 to $249.99, and the delivery fee is waived on orders of $250 or more. To place an order for delivery, guests can call the store at 315.366.9500. For additional details and complete terms and conditions, visit the pre-order and delivery page online.

At Tin Woodman’s Flask, guests enjoy everyday low prices, 20 percent off cases of wine, including mix and match cases, and TS Rewards Members receive five percent off every purchase (cannot be combined with any other offers). Guests can sign up for a free TS Rewards card in-store.

Tin Woodman’s Flask is open Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.tinwoodmansflask.com.

About the Oneida Indian Nation

The Oneida Indian Nation’s Government Programs and Services celebrated the 25th anniversary of Kids’ Day at the Ray Elm Children and Elders Center on Wednesday, June 27. It was a rainy afternoon, but employees from Health Services, the Nation Police Department, the Housing Department, the Elders Program, Member Benefits, the Nation library and the Early Learning Center didn’t let the gloom outside damper the party. The Elders wing of the C & E Center was rocking with music, games and fun activities for kids of all ages.

As kids walked down the hall to the dining room where the games were set up, they stopped to get strawberry slushies and cotton candy. The sweet treats were made by Elders, Linda Williams (Turtle Clan) and Sandra LaClair, and Elders program coordinator, Kathy Willard. When the kids entered the dining room, Officer Tim Boehlert already had hot dogs on the grill under the tent outside for lunch.

The games that looped around the room were stationed by staff from the Recreation Department and Health Services. Kids could shoot hoops, try their hand at archery, attempt to get a ringer on the elephant trunk ring toss and complete different obstacle courses for prizes. DJ Brian Emerson from the Housing Department kept the music playing all afternoon and a special photo booth was set up where kids and their families could get strips of photos to remember the day.

Many attendees at the 25th Kids’ Day were there for the first time, including Birdy Burdick’s (Turtle Clan) two year old great-granddaughter, Emma. “It’s great to have fun with the kids,” Birdy said after lunch. “She loves it here.”

The event was capped off with the last set of door prize drawings, which featured other fun games the kids could play at home. Although the event was forced indoors, the 25th anniversary of Kids’ Day still delivered an afternoon of family fun.

Another first-timer was Shelby Power’s (Turtle Clan) son, Jayce. “We had a lot of fun,” Shelby said getting one last cotton candy for the road. “It’s our first time and we’ll definitely be back next year.”

The special anniversary of Kids’ Day offered a chance to reflect on the event’s significance over the years. It’s an event that spotlights the youngest generations and encourages them to interact with the various programs and services the Nation provides. GP&S program coordinator, Pat Catalano, says the mission of Kids’ Day has always been to promote health and safety through games and other activities

“The main focus of the event is on health promotion and disease prevention for kids,” she said. “Kids’ Day is always held right after the school year ends so the children receive health and safety messages before summer begins.”

The Oneida Indian Nation puts on several events each year to recognize and engage with the Nation community, and promote health and wellness activities.

The Oneida Indian Nation Health Services Diabetes Program recently allocated funding from a grant this year to provide Nation Members, Children of Enrolled Oneidas and Health Services clients with new, state of the art equipment for the Rec Center’s Fitness Room to encourage physical activity for diabetes management and overall wellness for the community. The grant came from the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI), which distributes $150 million annually to Indian Health Services (IHS), Tribal and Urban Indian health programs across the country.

Mollie Tracy, the Nation’s Diabetes Program coordinator, says all of the new equipment – which includes a Concept 2 rower, updated treadmills with monitors, a PRX Performance squat rack and folding bench, rubber gym flooring and rubber coated free weights – was funded by the Diabetes Program. Recreation supervisor, Cole Perkins, believes the makeover of the Nation’s fitness room will help to increase participation at the center.

“These new additions to our facility, with our already unique selection of exercise equipment, makes the Nation gym a superior option to most local commercial fitness facilities,” he said.

One of the Center’s staff members, Tanner Bluewolf (Wolf Clan), was a key resource in researching and selecting the new equipment. Tanner has used the Nation gym to practice his own CrossFit workouts over the years. The entire Rec Center staff is excited to see the transformation of the gym and invites Members and Health Services clients to take advantage of the state of the art facility.

The Recreation Center is located on Territory Road in Oneida and is a free facility open to Oneida Members, Children of Enrolled Oneidas, Health Services clients and employees age 16 and older. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, Noon – 10 p.m. on Saturday, and Noon – 9 p.m. on Sunday. A monthly calendar of events is available on the Nation’s website. For more information call (315) 829-8484 or visit www.oneidaindiannation.org/recreation-youth-development/.

For more info about the Nation’s Diabetes Program, contact Mollie Tracy at 315-829-8700.

Open Enrollment for the Oneida Indian Nation Education Department’s Early Learning Center’s (ELC) academic/fall term is from July 9 – Aug. 3, 2018. The academic term begins Sept. 5, 2018.

To apply for enrollment, contact the ELC by Aug. 3 and provide the child’s name, date of birth and days and hours care is needed. Applicants will be advised by Aug. 17 of their child’s enrollment status.

Enrollment cannot be guaranteed in any of the classes. Available to children of Oneida Members and other American Indians, as well as children of Oneida Nation Enterprise employees. There is an order of priority for admission to the ELC, with preference given to Oneida Nation Members.

For more information, call the ELC at (315) 829-8139 or 1-800-685-6115.

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (July 17, 2018) – The Oneida Indian Nation today celebrated the 25th Anniversary of its flagship gaming venue and award-winning destination resort in Upstate New York – Turning Stone Resort Casino. A packed event in the resort’s Showroom performance venue celebrated the milestone occasion, bringing together hundreds of team members, including more than 150 25-year employees, who have been with Turning Stone since the resort opened.

“Twenty-five years ago, we had a simple goal: we wanted to build lasting, enduring institutions that could support our members, support the surrounding communities, and support jobs that allow for fulfilling careers and professional advancement,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. “The proof of our success lies not just in the facilities and buildings that house our enterprises, but also in the people who comprise this community. Today, our enterprises are supporting thousands of great jobs and loyal families across Central New York – and those employees are what has made our enterprises so successful.”

Halbritter continued: “Today is the first of what I know will be many 25-year anniversary celebrations – let us take this day to celebrate what we’ve accomplished and recommit ourselves to the core values and principles that have built our success. We have done something truly unique and amazing, and we are poised to do great things together for decades to come.”

Present at the event were a number of Central New York elected officials including Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, State Senator Joseph Griffo and State Assembly Member Anthony Brindisi.

The Nation was presented with a commemorative copy of a resolution passed unanimously in June the New York Senate honoring the Oneida Nation’s “unwavering commitment to reinvesting resources in the local economy and local businesses,” creation of 4,500 jobs and generation of “critical revenues for infrastructure, education, healthcare, social services and other public priorities.”

The New York legislative bodies recently commemorated “the 25th anniversary of the Gaming Compact between the Oneida Indian Nation and the State of New York” and “encourage[d] New Yorkers to look to the Oneida Nation’s department, business and tribal government success and record of community investment as an exemplary model for other businesses and communities to follow.”

At today’s event an enormous replica of the Turning Stone property, made out of cake by the resort’s remarkable pastry chefs, was also unveiled. The cake will be on display in The Winter Garden at Turning Stone, alongside a timeline highlighting milestones in the growth of the award-winning destination that attracts visitors from across the globe.

In addition to today’s event, Turning Stone will be hosting a number of other special gatherings throughout the summer to continue its 25th Anniversary celebration. Major announcements about future expansions are expected to be rolled out early this fall.

View a video showcasing some of the highlights of Turning Stone over the last 25 years.

About Turning Stone Resort Casino

A renowned, award-winning destination resort in Upstate New York, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino features world-class amenities including four hotels, two luxurious spas, five golf courses, more than 20 dining options, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas-style gaming floor, a cabaret style Showroom, a 5,000 seat arena, and several nightlife venues. Conveniently located 30 miles east of Syracuse at NYS Thruway exit 33, Turning Stone was named “Best Countryside Hotel/Lodge” in 2015 and “Most Excellent Golf Resort” in 2010 by Condé Nast Johansens. Turning Stone has also earned the prestigious Forbes Four Star Award for The Lodge, Wildflowers restaurant and Skʌ:nʌ́: spa, and for 12 consecutive years, the AAA Four Diamond Award for The Lodge, The Tower Hotel, and Wildflowers restaurant.

For more information and reservations, call (315) 361-7711 or (800) 771-7711. Visit the website www.turningstone.com.

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (July 25, 2018) – In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Turning Stone is offering guests an exclusive opportunity to experience the resort like never before – with the “25th Anniversary Grand Getaway.” To show its appreciation and to thank guests for their loyalty over the last 25 years, Turning Stone, for the first time in its history, is giving away the ultimate weekend, featuring all of the top and most prestigious amenities, including a two-night stay in one of the most exclusive rooms on property: the two-story Presidential Suite at The Lodge, which features three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, two fireplaces, a full kitchen, balcony with an outdoor hot tub and more. The 25th Anniversary Grand Getaway also includes several unique guest experiences that were created specifically for the contest.

The 25th Anniversary Grand Getaway Includes: (for two people)

TWO-NIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

A two-night stay in the Presidential Suite at The Lodge, the Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond award-winning hotel (blackout dates apply)

GAMING AMENITIES

A private lesson with one of Turning Stone’s best dealers to learn how to play the winner’s table game of choice
$250 Free Play/Gaming credit

GOLF AMENITIES

A round of golf at Atunyote Golf Course
Another round of golf at Kaluhyat or Shenendoah
A private golf lesson with a Turning Stone PGA Golf Professional

SPA AMENITIES

Two-hours in the exclusive couples suite at Ska:ná: spa
Enjoy a couples massage at Ska:ná: spa
A gift basket full of Ska:ná: spa products

DINING AMENITIES

Exclusive Chef’s Table Dinner at Wildflowers, Turning Stone’s Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond restaurant
Three-course dinner at TS Steakhouse

MORE DINING AMENITIES

A private Italian cooking class with Chef Sal at Pino Bianco
A private BBQ lesson with the Pit Master at Tin Rooster
$250 Dining Gift Card to experience all Turning Stone restaurants

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

VIP experience at all Exit 33 nightlife venue
Two tickets for an entertainment event and a meet and greet (exact show is subject to weekend of visit and meet and greet is subject to performer’s approval)

25th Anniversary Grand Getaway Details:

The 25th Anniversary Grand Getaway promotion will launch today, July 25 and runs until August 25, 2018. Guests who make a gaming and non-gaming transaction using their TS Rewards Card at participating Oneida Nation businesses, including Turning Stone, Point Place Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino, Maple Leaf Markets and SavOn Stores, are automatically entered into the drawing. Guests will receive 100 bonus entries for every non-gaming transaction made using their TS Rewards Card, including at the restaurants, spas, golf and Maple Leaf Market stores. The more guests use their TS Rewards Card during the promotion, the more entries they earn.

10 Finalists = 1 Grand Prize Winner & 4 Runners-Up:

10 finalists will be randomly drawn by August 27, 2018 and notified by email. One grand prize winner and four runners-up will be randomly selected at a live drawing at Turning Stone on August 29, 2018. Four runners-up will each win an overnight package for two people. Finalists must be present at the live drawing at Turning Stone to be eligible to win.

For complete rules of the 25th Anniversary Grand Getaway, visit the Turning Stone contest page.

In addition to the 25th Anniversary Grand Getaway, Turning Stone will be hosting a number of other special gatherings throughout the summer to continue its 25th Anniversary celebration.

To learn more about Turning Stone’s 25th Anniversary celebration, please visit the 25th Anniversary page on the Turning Stone website.

Oneida Name for Golf Course Has History

The Oneida Indian Nation has a strong history in the Mohawk Valley and upstate New York, but many are not aware that we also had a very strong presence in the Susquehanna Valley in Pennsylvania at one time as well. Prior to European contact, the Haudenosaunee were a very powerful alliance that dominated many other tribal nations, including the Susquehannock, Delaware and other people in the Ohio Valley. The League would choose someone to act as a “deputy” or a “vice-gerent” to be an overseer of those nations. This duty fell to the Oneidas, sometimes referred to “Keepers of the Southern Door.”

One of these chosen men was called Scarooyady by the English. He was an Oneida chief born in approximately 1710, who was also known as “Half-King” and sometimes referred to as “Monacatootha.” Half Kings were given that designation because they were not full-fledged representatives of the Haudenosaunee, but had some authority granted to them from the League. He attended many conferences and meetings in Philadelphia with Pennsylvanian representatives and was well-liked by both Indians and non-Indians alike.

Scarooyady’s name is better spelled in Oneida as “Skaluyati” which according to historical record-keepers means On the Other Side of the Sky. This piqued my interest as I am aware that one of our golf courses is named Kaluhyat, which means The Other Side of the Sky.

Although we may not have known it at the time, it seems that we named one of our golf courses after a famous Oneida chief and were not even aware of it…our ancestors are truly smiling down on us.

– Kandice Watson (Wolf Clan), Documentarian

Oneida Nation Turtle Clan Council Member Dale Rood and Ron Patterson (Wolf Clan), manager of the Oneida Heritage Center, recently attended the unveiling of the “Native Pathway Historical Marker” in Jefferson County. The marker recognizes the history of American Indians in the region between the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario and the significance of local waterways to the original inhabitants of the area.

Waterways were an important means of travel to Haudenosaunee in pre-colonial times, providing crucial access to hunting and trade. The region’s vast network of rivers allowed Haudenosaunee to travel almost anywhere by canoe.

The original marker commemorating the trail, placed at the intersection of State Route 12 and County Route 179 in Depauville in the 1930’s, vanished more than 40 years ago, leaving its whereabouts unknown. It had been placed as part of the New York Historical Association celebration for the 150th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, to “designate sites that are of historic significance in the colonial, revolutionary or state formative period.” The new marker was arranged and paid for by the Depauville Free Library in hope of educating the community and tourists about the important local history.

The marker reads:

Native Pathway
For millennia, Indigenous Tribes traveled this inland route between the Saint Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, canoeing French Creek and the Chaumont River, with four miles of connecting portages.

The new marker was dedicated on July 28, 2018.

Over 600 Oneida Indian Nation Members and their guests packed the Peaceful Pines campground for the 2018 Member Picnic on a toasty Sunday this past July. Attendees were treated to a number of door prize drawings. A 50” TV, a round of golf at Shenendoah or Kaluhyat, a day at the spa and much more were up for grabs. A bingo tent for adults was set up further in the back of the campground, and inflatable bounce houses and a petting zoo kept the kids entertained.

The unmistakable summertime barbeque smells filled the air throughout the afternoon. Burgers, sausages and hotdogs were all included in the clambake menu, and several different veggie salads complimented everything perfectly. After lunch, or dinner, many hopped over to the pool to keep cool on the hot and humid day.

Earlier in the afternoon, Chris Thomas and Wes Halsey (Wolf Clan) led several social dances on a makeshift stage in the shade of the tall pine trees. They started with some simple steps to get more people involved, but finished with a flurry of more advanced moves to showcase the experienced dancers.

The annual Member Picnic is a great opportunity for the Oneida community to come together. Several Members were there with their children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. It’s one of the events the Nation puts on that brings together all generations.

Jeremy McCann (Turtle Clan) travelled from Baltimore to attend the picnic with his wife, Brittany Jock (Mohawk).

“I only get to visit two or three times a year so it’s great to be here,” he said. The two also participated in many of the social dances, later joined by his mother, Melissa McCann (Turtle Clan).

The picnic is also a celebration of the success of the Nation. Council Members showed their appreciation by giving out free gifts to Members, which were personalized with an engraved depiction of each Member’s clan.

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (August 2, 2018) – Turning Stone Resort Casino today announced an exciting new retail expansion, in partnership with longtime Syracuse-based fashion retailer Joel Shapiro. Four new independent boutiques will be coming to Turning Stone this fall – a jewelry and accessory store, a men’s and women’s active wear shop, and two stores featuring women’s fashion.

Situated in a prime location near the entrance to The Tower hotel, the new stores will carry both national brands and original lines, provide shoppers with fashionable clothing and accessories in fun, modern and relaxed styles. The new boutiques will replace two existing retail stores in an expanded space next to the resort’s Winter Garden. Shoppers will also be able to earn and redeem TS Rewards points at the new boutiques.

“These new stores will offer an innovative, personalized shopping experience and will be a great addition to the array of world-class amenities already available at Turning Stone,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. “Since we are always looking to reinvest in Central New York, it was a natural fit to work with the Shapiro family and their Syracuse company to bring this vision to life.”

The retail shops will be operated by Shapiro, who runs Syracuse’s menswear store Mr. Shop, owned by his family since the 1960s. Shapiro is also an active proponent for local businesses in the community and has served on the Syracuse Downtown Committee, Armory Square Association and Landmark Theatre Board of Directors.

“The new stores will add to the vibrant energy of Turning Stone,” said Shapiro. “Shoppers will love the choice of colors, fabrics and styles. These shops will offer a friendly atmosphere that’s full of excitement, while maintaining the premium service which guests are already accustomed to at Turning Stone.”

About Turning Stone Resort Casino

For more information and reservations, call (315) 361-7711 or (800) 771-7711. Visit the website www.turningstone.com.

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (August 9, 2018) – The Oneida Indian Nation today announced it will host a half-day conference about how local businesses can partner with the Nation and its enterprises. The Doing Business with the Oneida Indian Nation conference will provide valuable insight on how to work with the Oneida Nation on new business development, including developing and expanding businesses on Oneida Indian Nation land, how to become a vendor, engage in sponsorship relationships and partner on strategic alliances. The program will include Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter providing an overview of Nation Enterprises and outlining plans for future investments.

The conference comes amid the 25^th anniversary of the historic gaming compact and the opening of Turning Stone Resort Casino, which has become the region’s premier tourist destination and economic engine.

Doing Business with the Oneida Indian Nation conference will be held on Friday, September 14 at Turning Stone, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

The Oneida Indian Nation continues to expand its gaming, retail, entertainment, food-related and convenience store businesses – which presents new business development, vendor and sponsorship opportunities. The conference will explore those opportunities, bringing together Oneida Indian Nation officials, business leaders and local stakeholders throughout the region.

Current Oneida Nation businesses include Turning Stone Resort Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino, Point Place Casino, Maple Leaf Market, SāvOn Stores, Tin Woodman’s Flask Wine & Spirits Superstore, Oneida Technical Solutions and Four Directions Productions.

Since the compact of 1993, the Oneida Nation Enterprises has pioneered a unique business model based on constant reinvestment in Central New York – the eternal home of the Oneida people. Today, those enterprises are not only the region’s largest employer, they also support thousands of additional jobs through local vendors and business development opportunities.

In all, Oneida Nation Enterprises spends more than $66 million to support more than 1,000 vendors in the three counties surrounding the Nation’s homelands. The Oneida Nation Enterprises directly employs more than 4,700 jobs, and supports thousands more through its vendors.

For more information about the Doing Business with the Oneida Indian Nation conference, visit the website here.

Local businesses and developers interested in attending the conference can email Sarah Koral at sarah.koral@turningstone.com to be added to a waiting list as space is limited. Confirmed attendees will be notified in early September.

About the Oneida Indian Nation

The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. A founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy), the Oneida Indian Nation sided with the Americans in the Revolutionary War and was thanked by Congress and President George Washington for its loyalty and assistance. Today, the Oneida Indian Nation employs more than 4,600 people, include Turning Stone Resort Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino, the SāvOn convenience stores, Maple Leaf Markets, RV Park, three marinas, and Four Directions Productions, a 3D animation HD cinematography studio. Proceeds from these enterprises are used to rebuild the Nation’s economic base and fund essential services, including housing, health care, and education incentives and programs, for the Oneida people.

For more information, visit www.OneidaIndianNation.com.

The Oneida Indian Nation Elders are having an “Everything From A-Z” tent sale at the Village of the White Pines on Friday, Sept. 14 and Saturday, Sept. 15 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Items include Wampum Belt design mugs, crafts, jewelry and other handmade items. Also at the same time, a bake sale will be held inside the Children & Elders Center dining room.

All items for sale will be donated by the Elders to raise funds for future off-site trips.

The sale is open to the public and will be held rain or shine. For more information, call the Children and Elders Center at (315) 829-8155 and leave a message for Penny.

For more information about the Oneida Indian Nation Elders Program CLICK HERE.

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (August 24, 2018) – The Oneida Indian Nation today congratulates Oneida County and Central New York for the region’s success in building a popular tourist destination. According to the recently released 2017 Economic Impact of Tourism in New York report, Oneida County earned $1.5 billion in annual tourism income, ranking among New York’s top 10 counties for traveler spending.

“Central New York is an incredible destination for travelers from across the country and the world,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. “It is wonderful that visitors are catching on to all that our area has to offer.”

Halbritter continued: “I would like to congratulate Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr., other elected officials, and all of the local businesses and tourism organizations who helped make possible this growth in tourism, which plays a key role in the local economy. Together, we are truly building a great present and future for Central New York.”

This summer, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino is celebrating its 25^th anniversary with a series of special events and promotions.

The only resort in the entire Northeast to earn three Forbes Four-Star Awards and three AAA Four Diamond awards at one property, Turning Stone has long been renowned for the diverse array of entertainment and leisure opportunities it provides to its 4.5 million annual guests. While it holds 25 years of experience creating optimal visitor experiences, Turning Stone is also committed to continually evolving and enhancing its offerings, as evidenced by its recent $20-million-dollar investment in its award-winning property.

About the Oneida Indian Nation

The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. A founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy), the Oneida Indian Nation sided with the Americans in the Revolutionary War and was thanked by Congress and President George Washington for its loyalty and assistance. Today, the Oneida Nation consists of about 1,000 enrolled Members, most of them living in Central New York. The Nation’s enterprises, which employ more than 4,500 people, include Turning Stone Resort Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino, Point Place Casino, Maple Leave Market, SāvOn chain of gas stations and convenience stores, Tin Woodman’s Flask, RV Park, three marinas and information, and Four Directions Productions – a 3D animation HD cinematography studio. Proceeds from these enterprises are used to rebuild the Nation’s economic base and provide essential services, including housing, health care, and education incentives and programs, to its Members.

For more information, visit www.OneidaIndianNation.com.

Oneida Nation Homelands (September 6, 2018) – Oneida Indian Nation held its annual Service Award Gala this week, recognizing more 350 employees who are celebrating milestones of 10, 15, 20 and 25 years working for the Oneida Nation. Employees spanned across all of the Oneida Nation businesses, including Turning Stone Resort Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino, Point Place Casino, Maple Leaf Market and SavOn Stores.

The Service Awards Gala is a long-standing annual event to thank employees for their hard work and dedication.

“Today, our enterprises are supporting thousands of great jobs and families across Central New York. It is all of us together that have made our enterprises so successful,” said Oneida Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. “The hard work, dedication and years of service from the employees recognized at this event, are crucial to what we’ve accomplished.”

This summer, the Oneida Nation celebrated the 25th anniversary of its flagship gaming venue and award-winning destination resort with several events and promotions. Kicking off the festivities, the Nation hosted a packed event in the resort’s Showroom, bringing together local elected officials, community leaders and hundreds of employees, including more than 150 25-year employees, who have been with Turning Stone since it opened.

The Oneida Indian Nation has been a driving force of economic growth in the region for more than two decades. With 4,750 employees, the Oneida Indian Nation is one of the largest employers in Central New York and remains committed to creating new employment opportunities in the area.

About the Oneida Indian Nation

The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. A founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy), the Oneida Indian Nation sided with the Americans in the Revolutionary War and was thanked by Congress and President George Washington for its loyalty and assistance. Today, the Oneida Indian Nation employs more than 4,750 people, including Turning Stone Resort Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino, Point Place Casino, the SāvOn convenience stores, Maple Leaf Markets, RV Park, three marinas, Tin Woodman’s Flask, a wine and spirits superstore, and Four Directions Productions, a 3D animation HD cinematography studio. Proceeds from these enterprises are used to rebuild the Nation’s economic base and fund essential services, including housing, health care, and education incentives and programs, for the Oneida people.

The Oneida Indian Nation’s After School Program kicked off a new school year on Monday, September 10. The program is designed to provide children in grades 3-12 time to work on their homework and get extra help with Common Core certified instructors when they need it. Youth programs coordinator, Donna Howe, and youth assistant, J’nese Avenia, are available to assist if the kids get stumped on any of their schoolwork. Kids are also given a healthy snack and time in the gymnasium for some physical activities every day.

Madison-Oneida BOCES will also provide a Common Core training program for parents on Wednesday, October 10 from 6-8 p.m. at the Rec Center. Recreation administrative assistant, Barb George-Winton (Wolf Clan), says the session will enable parents to help their kids at home.

“It gives us and the parents some training in the Common Core curriculum,” Barb said. “That way we can be better assistants and parents can help at home.”

The program continues to gain popularity in the community as well. Donna says the program is welcoming several new third graders and a few new high schoolers.

“We’re technically capped at thirty kids, but we try our best to accommodate those that want to be here,” Donna said. “With sports and extracurricular activities throughout the year, there are times when we have extra spaces.”

New this year, the Oneida Language Department will visit Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. to keep the Oneida language a focal point of the youth program moving forward. Kids play interactive games to reinforce language concepts and improve vocabulary.

Other youth programs like the Youth Ambassadors Program (YAP) and Junior YAP are tentatively scheduled to begin on October 11. All programs are open to Oneida Members, Children of Enrolled Oneidas and Health Services clients. For more information, contact Donna at 315-829-8484.

The Six Nations Agricultural Society Indian Village at the New York State Fair hosted several submissions from Haudenosaunee across the state for competitions in agriculture, and traditional arts and crafts. Many Oneidas were awarded first, second and third prize ribbons for their efforts. From growing the Three Sisters and other vegetables and fruits to knitted sweaters and quilts, Oneidas displayed their skills in a variety of disciplines.

The 2018 Fair also featured many social dances and presentations on each day of the 13-day event. Oneida Day was on Wednesday, August 29 and featured Nation Representative Ray Halbritter narrating traditional Oneida stories and legends along with explanations of the significance of each dance.

On Friday, Aug. 31, also known as Indian Day, a traditional Smoke Dance competition was held. Brooke Thomas (Wolf Clan) took first place in the women’s division while Heath Hill (Wolf Clan) took first place in the men’s and Nalani Hill (Wolf Clan) took third place in the girls ages 6-12 division.

Oneidas that took home ribbons this year included (be sure to check out some photos at the bottom of the page):

Kari Beane (Turtle Clan)

1^st place, Jar Jelly, Crabapple or Other Kind

Geraldine Feeley (Wolf Clan)

1^st place and 2^nd place, Pieced Cotton Quilt
1^st place, Embroidered Pillow Slips
1^st place, Centerpiece
1^st place, Crocheted Work Small

Sharlene Lascellas (Bear Clan)

1^st place, Drawing, Painting or Sculpture

Tammy Patterson (Wolf Clan)

3^rd place, Beaded Cushion

Penny Raymond (Turtle Clan)

1^st place and 2^nd place, Apron
1^st place, Knitting Large Pieces

Virginia Robbins (Wolf Clan)

1^st place, Five Early Apples

Barbara Sayers (Bear Clan)

1^st place, Crocheted Work Large

Lucille Stafford (Wolf Clan)

2^nd place, Crocheted Work Large

Rose Tompkins (Wolf Clan)

1^st place, Five Beets
1^st place, Pumpkin
1^st place and 3^rd place, Crookneck Squash
3^rd place, Ancient Iroquois Headdress

Kirby Watson (Wolf Clan)

1^st place, String Beans (any color)
2^nd place, Variety Squash

Anita Williams (Turtle Clan)

1^st place, Pillow Slips

Linda Williams (Turtle Clan)

2^nd place, Knitting Large Pieces

Saturday, October 13^th at 8 p.m.

Turning Stone Resort Casino

Free – Open to the Public

RSVP to Sarah Koral at sarah.koral@turningstone.com or (315) 361- 8191

The Oneida Indian Nation in collaboration with Sundance Institute has announced a joint initiative designed to expand the reach of Native storytellers in Upstate New York through local film screenings and workshops, as well as a yearlong Fellowship for one local aspiring Native filmmaker, who will be announced in early 2019.

To kick off the initiative, Sundance Institute and the Oneida Indian Nation will host a film series at Turning Stone Resort Casino on Saturday, October 13, beginning at 8 p.m. The free and open-to-the-public presentation will include an introduction by Sundance Institute senior staff and a curated series of short films by award winning Native filmmakers from around the country including Shaandiin Tome who directed the film “Mud” which will be screened during the evening. After the screening concludes, Tome will participate in a Q&A session to discuss her film, the art of filmmaking and the opportunities presented by being a Sundance Institute Fellow.

To view the press release click here.

October event to serve as launch for broader collaboration which includes future programming and the selection of a local filmmaker for a yearlong Fellowship

Oneida Indian Nation/Sundance Institute film screening to be included as part of the Syracuse Film Festival program

Oneida Nation Homelands (September 19, 2018) – Oneida Indian Nation today announced a multi-faceted collaboration with Sundance Institute, the non-profit organization founded by Robert Redford to provide dynamic support at every step of the creative journey for individuals with distinct voices in film, theatre, film composing, episodic storytelling and emerging platforms. The joint initiative is designed to expand the reach of Native storytellers in Upstate New York through local film screenings and workshops, as well as a yearlong Fellowship for one local aspiring Native filmmaker, who will be announced in early 2019.

To kick off the initiative, Sundance Institute and the Oneida Indian Nation will host a film series at Turning Stone Resort Casino on Saturday, October 13, beginning at 8 p.m. The free and open-to-the-public presentation will include an introduction by Sundance Institute senior staff and a curated series of short films by award winning Native filmmakers from around the country including Shaandiin Tome who directed the film “Mud,” which will screened during the evening. After the screening concludes, Tome will participate in a Q&A session to discuss her film, the art of filmmaking and the opportunities presented by being a Sundance Institute Fellow. Guests interested in attending the October 13 film series event at Turning Stone should RSVP to Sarah.Koral@turningstone.com or 315.361.8191.

“It is important that we pass on our legacy to future generations of our people as well as to the broader population in this country and in the world,” said Oneida Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. “By collaborating with Sundance Institute’s Native American and Indigenous Film Program, we can help fulfill our longstanding commitment to arts and culture and bring national and international attention to the range of talent that exists in our region.”

The Syracuse International Film Festival has included this special approximately 90-minute evening event in its official program, complementing its broader Native filmmaking offerings. The Syracuse Film Festival will take place October 10-14 in downtown Syracuse.

For more information about the October 13 Native film series at Turning Stone Resort Casino, visit The Oneida Indian Nation website.

Additional Sundance Institute and Oneida Indian Nation sponsored events for 2019 will be announced soon.

About the Sundance Institute 2018 Native Shorts Presentation:

Sundance Institute has established a rich legacy of commitment to Native filmmaking, supporting more than 300 Native and Indigenous filmmakers over the years. The Institute’s Native American and Indigenous Film Program has built and sustained a unique support cycle for Indigenous artists through grants, mentorships, fellowships, the platform of the Sundance Film Festival, and screenings in Native communities to inspire new generations of storytellers. The Native Program’s 2018 Native Shorts presentation includes six short films by Native American filmmakers. This year’s films include: “Mud (Hashtł’ishnii)”– Shaandiin Tome (Diné), “Shinaab”– Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr. (Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians), “Nucca”– Michelle Latimer (Métis/Algonquin), “The Violence of a Civilization Without Secrets” – Adam Khalil (Ojibway), Zack Khalil (Ojibway), Jackson Polys (Tlingit), “Jáaji Approx.”– Sky Hopinka (Ho-Chunk/Pechanga) and “alter-Native”— Billy Luther (Navajo, Hopi and Laguna Pueblo).

About the Oneida Indian Nation

The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. A founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy), the Oneida Indian Nation sided with the Americans in the Revolutionary War and was thanked by Congress and President George Washington for its loyalty and assistance. Today, the Oneida Nation consists of about 1,000 enrolled Members, most of them living in Central New York. The Nation’s enterprises, which employ more than 4,700 people, include Turning Stone Resort Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino, Point Place Casino, Maple Leaf Markets, SāvOn Convenience stores, RV Park, three marinas, Tin Woodman’s Flask, a wine and spirits superstore, and Four Directions Productions, a 3D animation HD cinematography studio. Proceeds from these enterprises are used to rebuild the Nation’s economic base and provide essential services, including housing, health care, and education incentives and programs, to its Members.

For more information, visit www.OneidaIndianNation.com

The Oneida Indian Nation’s Summer Jam program wrapped up another year on August 17 with a trip to Roseland Waterpark in Canandaigua. In a year packed with cultural activities, games and trips, the Nation’s youth programs coordinator, Donna Howe, said daily attendance was the highest it’s ever been.

The planned activities had youth practicing the Oneida language, visiting historic sites in the area, developing golf and archery skills, learning personal safety tips from Nation police officers and how to boost self-esteem from the Nation Health Services’ behavioral health department.

Each Wednesday, Oneida language instructors Chelsea Jocko (Wolf Clan) and Clairese Patterson (Wolf Clan) held classes with the group and were impressed with how quickly the kids picked up new words and phrases. They focused on colors and clothing during one mid-summer class using fun games, like seat switch, where Chelsea would say a color in Oneida and the kids wearing that color would have to switch seats.

The kids split into two groups for language activities to maintain smaller class sizes. So while half were practicing the language, the other half went to Warrior Archery at Oneida Heritage. The two group sessions swapped in the afternoon.

Archery gets kids active and introduces them to a traditional American Indian skill taught by Oneida Heritage manager, Ron Patterson (Wolf Clan), and Alex Dickerman (Turtle Clan). Over the six weeks, the kids’ bow skills and technique improved greatly.

Summer Jam participant, Jadalyn George, said it was fun every week. “I liked it a lot,” she said. “We’ve been here 4 weeks and I’m getting better.”

On Wednesday afternoons before the language/archery sessions, all “Summer Jammers” packed the Rec Center for an activity with Jill Gustin from the Health Services’ behavioral health department. The kids worked on self-affirmation shields during one afternoon session. Everyone wrote down a positive quality about themselves, something they are good at, and something somebody else said they liked about them to reinforce all of their positive traits and boost self-esteem. Jill said she wants the kids to remember all of their positive qualities for the times they need to cope with feeling sad or upset.

Every week was bookended with hikes or field trips to local parks and attractions. Over the course of the summer on Monday afternoons, the group visited Mount Hope Reservoir, Oxbow Park, Green Lakes State Park, Delta Lake and Chittenango Falls.

The kids also had several fun field trips at the end of the week that included Paper Mill Island in Baldwinsville to see the Corning Museum of GlassBarge trekking the Erie Canal, the Wild Animal Park in Chittenango, the Great Swamp Conservancy in Canastota, Big Don’s Outdoor Fun Center in Cicero, the Ledge indoor rock climbing center in Liverpool, and finally, Roseland Waterpark to close out the summer.

The Ledge was popular with all of the kids, even those a little cautious of heights. The staff at the Ledge gave the kids a quick crash course, going over all the proper safety instructions and procedures, and then everyone was free to try their hand at climbing walls that ranged in all levels of difficulty. After an hour or so of climbing, Donna brought the crew over to Onondaga Lake Park for lunch near the water.

Ron Patterson also brought the kids to a few historic cultural areas every Thursday afternoon to teach them more about their ancestral roots. One week, the group visited Fort Stanwix in Rome to walk around the grounds and experience the museum at the Marinus Willett Center. Ron spoke of how Oneidas, soldiers, and others in the region lived during the late 1700s. The fort was a Continental Army post that guarded many of the waterways of trade at the time.

When Summer Jam 2018 entered its final week in mid-August, parents were able to join their kids for Family Day at the Rec Center. Nation police officers cooked burgers and hot dogs on the grill for lunch, and all participants were awarded special certificates that highlighted their own unique contributions to the summer program.

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Oneida Indian Nation Early Learning Center Announces Open Enrollment for Academic/Fall Term

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