Oneida Heritage Center Manager, Ron Patterson (Wolf Clan), has been one of the consistent voices of Oneida history over the last decade. With a deep knowledge of the Oneida culture, part of Ron’s job involves reaching and educating people about the lesser known stories that impacted not only the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, but also the formation of the United States.

Ron recently had the opportunity to visit Valley Forge and talk to a large, diverse group of over 100 visitors at the Washington Memorial Chapel interested in beginnings of the relationship between the colonists and the Oneidas. The event was part of the annual Speaker Series on the American Revolution sponsored in part by the Valley Forge Park Alliance. Valley Forge was the site of a military encampment for Gen. George Washington’s Continental Army in 1777 and 1778. This was where several Oneida, including Han Yerry and Polly Cooper, traveled with bushels of white corn to feed Washington’s starving troops at a critical time during the war.

The Washington Memorial Chapel’s mission is to honor George Washington and all of the patriots who were at the Valley Forge encampment of 1777-78. It is their sacrifices that ensured the survival and ultimate success of the American Revolution. While honoring these individuals, the Chapel also recounts the story of the founding of the United States and seeks to communicate the virtues of courage, sacrifice and commitment.

The remarkable journey of Cooper, Han Yerry and several other Oneida to the encampment is an excellent example of those virtues. It was the culmination of talks between Chief Skenandoa and Rev. Samuel Kirkland attempting to convince the Oneidas to aid the American rebels. But the visitors to the Chapel this past October wanted to know more about that crucial decision. Why would the Oneidas choose to help the colonists and oppose their Haudenosaunee brethren?

During the later 1600s when Dutch explorers encountered the Haudenosaunee, an agreement was made and represented in the Two Row belt, which depicted how each were to treat each other and live together. Their ways of life were woven in two purple rows, traveling down the river of life side by side without either attempting to steer the other’s vessel.

The belts are symbols of the eternal bonds of the Haudenosaunee, which ultimately led to the fateful decision of Chief Skenandoa and the Oneidas to oppose their brothers and sisters that sided with the British, and instead support the colonists’ fight for freedom. The Oneida belt, assembled in the early 1720s, welcomed the Tuscaroras to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

As the ‘People of the Longhouse,’ the Haudenosaunee Nations were connected by nine families, known today as clans. The Oneida Nation has three clans: turtle, wolf and bear. The bonds between each were deep and generations-old, so Chief Skenandoa’s decision was met with intense fervor from the originalists that did not want to be pitted against their families.

Gardiner Pearson, a representative of Washington Memorial Chapel that organized Ron’s visit, aims to find people that can tell stories that are often unknown or underappreciated.

“In these talks, we try to provide interesting insights into the events of the times,” he said. “Few people are aware of the participation and contribution of the Oneida either at Valley Forge or in the other campaigns and battles of the Revolution. We thought that story would be of interest to our audience and invited a representative of the Oneida Nation to give the first talk of the 2018-2019 season.”

The audience was fascinated to learn about the structure of Oneida society, its political foundations and traditions, the significance of the various wampum belts and the importance of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

“It was extremely important for our audience to learn not just about the Oneida contribution to the American War for Independence, but also about the social and political structure of the Oneida people and the wrenching consequences of the difficult decision they made to side with the American cause,” Gardiner said after Ron’s visit.

The Great Law has survived and stayed with the Oneida people for centuries. Ron’s description of the Great Law’s concepts and the importance of the wampum belts helped the visitors understand how the Haudenosaunee people live and behave.

Ron is glad to get a number of opportunities to speak and engage with audiences across the northeast that are interested in the Haudenosaunee story and its impact on the American Revolution. It’s been a critical component to the Shako:wi Cultural Center and Oneida Heritage Center, ensuring the whole story is told faithfully and accurately. Ron is hoping to put a greater focus on the exhibits and original artifacts at each facility.

“We want to bring more reality to the face of the cultural centers,” he said. “We want to provide some of the real, authentic pieces we have for Members, and the general public, to learn our true story.”

New details released today provide a preview into what sports betting will soon look like at New York’s premier gaming facilities, facilitated by the Oneida Nation’s alliance with Caesars Entertainment. All-new, state-of-the-art sports betting lounges will be added at prominent, high-energy locations that include massive, high-definition screens, luxury VIP areas and much more.

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (January 8, 2019) – Oneida Indian Nation, owner of the award-winning Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY, announced last week it will be partnering with global gaming leader Caesars Entertainment to bring sports betting to Upstate New York. Subject to review by the National Indian Gaming Commission, “The Lounge with Caesars Sports” will open at Turning Stone, Yellow Brick Road Casino and Point Place Casino in 2019.

Today, the Oneida Indian Nation is releasing additional details about the sports books coming soon to its three casinos. The Turning Stone and Point Place Casino locations are scheduled to open first, with construction beginning shortly. The addition to Yellow Brick Road Casino will come later as part of the project’s second phase, and include a total renovation, for which the Tin Woodman’s Flask will be closed to accommodate the updates.

The all-new sport betting venues will have LED terminals with high-definition resolution, state-of-the-art odds boards that constantly update and offer opportunities for in-game wagers. Also available will be new full-service bars, ticket windows, ultra-comfortable seating, and VIP areas with their own dedicated TV screens.

Turing Stone Resort Casino:

The Lounge with Caesars Sports will be prominently located at the current site of the Season’s Harvest patio (Season’s Harvest will remain open and will not be impacted by this addition) and will generate energy and create a “wow” impact, continuing the transformation of the resort’s main entryway started by the addition of The Commons at Turning Stone retail shops.

Turning Stone’s new sports lounge will feature a massive, 48-by-9-foot curved screen, with acuity similar to Times Square, visible from three sides and to visitors entering from either the main entrance or the parking garage. The venue will also offer twelve 65-inch screens and five 85-inch screens to put the viewers at the center of the sports action.

Point Place Casino:

Within Point Place Casino, there will be an expansion of the gaming floor to accommodate The Lounge with Caesars Sports.  The primary video wall will feature a 24-by-6.75-foot screen, in addition to twenty-three 65-inch screens and eleven 85-inch screens.

Yellow Brick Road Casino:

The Lounge with Caesars Sports will also be added to Yellow Brick Road Casino during the project’s second phase. Yellow Brick Road Casino will undergo a total renovation, including the addition of the sports betting lounge, upgrades to the table games experience, all-new décor and other expansions to offer additional games and activities.

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 4,750 people, include Turning Stone Resort Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino, Point Place Casino, Maple Leaf Markets, SāvOn Convenience stores, RV Park, three marinas and Tin Woodman’s Flask, a wine and spirits superstore. 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 Language Program is readying new materials for Members and children enrolled in the Early Learning Center to expand the language’s daily use. Early in 2019, in coordination with Madison-Oneida BOCES, the department will print and distribute a short storybook entitled The Robin Legend. The department also produced a new 2019 calendar complete with more basic words and phrases in the Oneida language.

Oneida Nation language trainee, Chelsea Jocko (Wolf Clan), contributed her own drawings for the book, which will help illustrate the story for the younger kids she interacts with every day. The story follows how the robin got its red chest and the lessons he learns along the way. The book will have a large hardcover with a paper jacket.

Madison-Oneida BOCES is helping to produce the book for the Oneida Indian Nation. The ongoing partnership has helped the language department expand its reach and continually develop new materials to modernize how the language is taught and learned.

Using a simple picture at first, Chelsea builds on to it to create her own versions that fit with the story.

“I’ll outline the pictures with a sharpie once I finish a sketch,” Chelsea said explaining her process. “It starts simple, but once I highlight them and color them in, they really stand out.”

The book is set to print in January 2019.

“You have to use it in conversation,” she said. “The kids pick up on it much easier when you play to learn. My daughter can point to a fish, or a dog, or a cat when we say the word in English or Oneida.”

The department is also excited to expand its digital archive of materials with fluent speakers, James Antone and Ray George, as it documents several classes in traditional cooking and crafts. Later this year, it will release a video on how to make traditional corn soup complete with Oneida and English subtitles so everybody can follow along.

Language instructor, Mary Blau (Turtle Clan), is enthusiastic about the coming year and all of the progress the department has made in a short time.

“We are looking forward to these new projects,” she said. “We’re starting to get everything digitized and archived so the department can have a solid foundation to teach from.”

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On Thursday, March 7, 2019, the 24th annual Three Sisters Dinner will be held at the Shenendoah Clubhouse at Turning Stone Resort Casino. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Dinner will be served after the Thanksgiving Address at approximately 6 p.m. A Social Dance will close the evening.

The dinner is held in March to coincide with National Nutrition Month.

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (January 16, 2019) – Before they face off on Friday night at Turning Stone in a battle for the World Heavyweight Title, Bryant Jennings and Oscar Rivas took their gloves off to serve lunch to more than 200 veterans today at Clear Path for Veterans in Chittenango.  Jennings and Rivas were joined by co-main event fighters – Shakur Stevenson, a U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist and Jessie Rosales – as well as Vikas Krishan, who is making his professional boxing debut Friday night at Turning Stone.

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, Forbes Recommended Ratings for TS Steakhouse and, for 10 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 web site www.turningstone.com.

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (February 11, 2019) – Oneida Indian Nation’s Maple Leaf Market today announced an exciting new culinary program, Turning Stone Grab & Go, which introduces a variety of meals, directly from the kitchens of Turning Stone’s world-class restaurants. Turning Stone’s restaurants are recognized as some of the best and highly-regarded restaurants in the Northeast, attracting people from all over the region. With Maple Leaf Markets new culinary program, Central New Yorkers are now able to conveniently pick up and enjoy Turning Stone’s award-winning food at home.  Individual- and family-size portions are available from restaurants including Pino Bianco, Upstate Tavern, Emerald Restaurant, Peach Blossom, and Opal’s.

Delivered fresh daily from Turning Stone, meals include Chicken Marsala, Chicken Riggies, Nona’s Meatballs, General Tso’s Chicken, Vegetable Lo-Mein, Rotisserie Chicken, Pork Dumplings, Utica Greens, Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes and more, with pastries, cookies and desserts from Opal’s.

In addition to the new Turning Stone Grab & Go meals, Maple Leaf Market also offers a robust selection of Hofmann’s Hot Dogs, sandwiches, Paninis, pizzas, salads, soups and sauces. Beginning today, the new menu offerings are available at all three Maple Leaf Market locations in Sherrill, Chittenango and Verona-Sylvan Beach.

Maple Leaf Market’s new culinary program is led by Turning Stone’s Executive Chef Ron Ross, a three-time James Beard award recipient, and a talented and highly-trained team of chefs.

Maple Leaf Market will continue to offer additional conveniences such as competitive fuel prices and special gasoline discounts, a comprehensive loyalty program, top-selling grocery and essential items, a variety of imported and domestic beers and more.

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 consists of about 1,000 enrolled Members, most of them living in Central New York. The Nation’s enterprises, which employ more than 4,750 people, include Turning Stone Resort Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino, Point Place Casino, Maple Leaf Market, SāvOn Convenience stores, an RV Park, and three marinas. 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.

The book, “Washington’s Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge” written by Thomas Fleming, touches upon a part of Revolutionary War history often neglected in other tomes. The book describes Oneida participation at Barren Hill in Pennsylvania in 1778 when Oneida sentries engaged the enemy, who were in the process of surrounding a large portion of George Washington’s army.

According to the author, the Oneida, who had been allied with the French during the French and Indian War, readily agreed to fight with the Marquis de Lafayette on the side of the colonists in the Revolutionary War. In one passage, Fleming describes how the Oneidas came to join Washington’s forces at Valley Forge:

“After several days of parleying and distributing presents, the Oneidas and their allies agreed to take up the hatchet for the Americans and promised to send about fifty of their best warriors to Valley Forge to serve under General Washington. The commander in chief greeted them with great ceremony. They were escorted to the artillery park, where thirteen cannon were discharged to welcome them. Washington invited their chief warrior to dinner at headquarters, along with the French interpreter who had accompanied them from northern New York…”

The book continues to chronicle the Oneidas involvement at Barren Hill, where the Marquis set up camp about 12 miles outside of Philadelphia, contrary to Washington’s orders. Due to a traitor in the Marquis’ ranks, the British were informed of the encampment and proceeded to divide their forces and march on the Americans.

Although the Oneidas fought bravely, Fleming writes: “Unfortunately, neither Lafayette nor many other white eyewitnesses gave the Oneidas the credit they deserved for the skirmish in the woods on the Ridge Road which held up (British Commander in Chief Sir William) Howe’s main column and for their role in the rear guard’s fighting retreat. Many commentators tried to make a joke out of the encounter with the British cavalry, claiming that the Oneidas and the dragoons were equally frightened and both ran away. This prejudiced account is contradicted by other witnesses, who reported that after the British retreat began, the Oneidas and (American General Daniel) Morgan’s men recrossed the Schuylkill and skirmished on the royal army’s flanks as they trudged back to Philadelphia.

The Oneida Indian Nation’s Government Programs and Services hosted its annual Healthy Heart luncheon on Wednesday, February 13 at the Ray Elm Children and Elder’s Center. Participants in the Elders program, along with staff from the Nation’s Health Services, packed the dining room for the healthy lunch prepared by Turning Stone chefs.

The menu consisted of several healthy options including a corn and bean salad, kale with green goddess dressing, vegetable soup, venison stew, stuffed turkey, whole grain dinner rolls, and fruit cups.

“It was delicious,” Birdy Burdick and Vicki Greene (both Turtle Clan) said. “It’s great that they do this every year,” Vicki, a former nurse practitioner for the Nation, added.

It’s important to shine a light on the potential warning signs of heart problems or ailments. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, but the signs can differ for women and men.

This event provides a chance for the staff at Health Services to interact with Elders and inform them about heart health – and the symptoms that can accompany hearth disease or a heart attack for men and women. The staff gave out several pamphlets on what to do to safeguard your heart. One important tip: know your numbers!

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar can all lead to heart disease so it’s critical to visit your doctor or health clinic to get the latest numbers for each. One of the sheets handed out highlighted the goals everyone should be shooting for. Your blood pressure should be less than 120/80, total cholesterol less than 180 and triglycerides less than 150, which is even more important for women.

These numbers can be confusing or ambiguous. That’s why the Nation’s Health Services holds events like the Healthy Heart luncheon periodically throughout the year to educate the community.

“Health Services nurses held blood pressure screenings, and before lunch, we watched a brief video that depicted common signs of a woman having a heart attack,” the Nation’s GP&S Program Coordinator, Pat Catalano said. “February is also American Heart Month, which gives us an opportunity to tie the lunch into Wear Red Day and Valentine’s Day. We had nearly 60 people this year, which was great.”

The health clinic also recommends getting in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. But there are many other things you can do to greatly reduce your risk of heart disease.

Quit smoking! If you quit now, your body can repair much of the damage caused from cigarettes within a year. Eat smart! Avoid foods that are high in salt, sugar and fat, which can drive up your blood pressure and cholesterol. Instead, try foods that are high in fiber, like whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, which can lower the amount of bad cholesterol in your body.

One other rule of thumb to consider is that less is more. Try cutting down on meal portions, or take home leftovers to eat at another time. And don’t forget to take a short walk, even if it’s using the stairs instead of the elevator. A few minutes of walking each day can save your life.

Events like the Healthy Heart luncheon are great reminders to maintain your health and wellness. It also provides another way for the Nation’s government programs and services to connect with the Nation community.

The focus on health is nothing new for Ray. He made a commitment to a healthy lifestyle when he saw his parents unable to meet their goals in retirement due to their health. Always a casual lifter throughout his life, Ray advises other Elders to stay active and develop a regular routine with diet and exercise.

Getting the heart rate up is the key in whatever exercise you choose. Weightlifting improves core strength and helps in the prevention of osteoporosis and diabetes, but starting with walking or running is another way to improve your cardio health.

At the North American Championships, Ray will work on three different lifts: squat, bench and deadlift. He competes in the raw masters division with others age 75-79. The raw component means he doesn’t use any equipment that would make the lift easier. He’ll turn 76 on the first day of the championships on April 5.

Since starting powerlifting at age 70, Ray continues to impress. He set world records for his age and weight in all three lifts at the 2017 North American Championships and was named the 2018 AAU Powerlifting Senior Male Athlete of the Year. The top three finishing athletes at this year’s championships in April will earn a spot in World Championships in September.

“I had no idea I’d be involved in powerlifting,” Ray said. “I feel real good about where I’m at.”

New Scholarship Coordinator Working to Reach More Students

The Oneida Indian Nation believes a quality education is the foundation for a successful future, and assisting Members in their educational endeavors remains a top priority for the Nation’s leadership. Through its innovative Scholarship Program, the Nation is proud to provide many avenues to support Members in furthering their education and careers.

In 2018, 70 Oneida Members were enrolled in a higher education program; up from the two Members that enrolled when the scholarship program began in 1990. The Nation remains committed to investing in future generations through higher education, and it hopes more Members will take advantage of the opportunities to gain more knowledge and skills that will make them successful in any career they choose.

The scholarship program offers students the financial flexibility to earn vocational or trade certificates, undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and even doctoral degrees. It also provides financial incentives to students at all levels of education – from elementary on up – that achieve high marks in their respective classes for each semester or marking period.

As she gets acclimated in her new role, Lindsey hopes she can reach and interact with more students earlier in their academic careers to ensure Members get the most out of their educational opportunities. She’s already engaged with many students in the Nation community.

“I want to get to know the younger students and really raise awareness about these great opportunities,” Lindsey said. “It would be great to work with the local area schools to attend college nights, or create resume and writing workshops for the students. These are useful tools to connect with middle and high school students.”

The Scholarship Office is hoping to make the process of applying for grants and other outside scholarships less burdensome for students as well by making it easier for Members to access the forms necessary to obtain scholarship funds. Among the forms included would be the Educational Assistance Request form, New York State Indian Aid forms, Bureau of Indian Education higher education grant applications, and FAFSA instructions.

Lindsey is also putting together separate instruction documents for each form so students know exactly what to do and when to do it. In addition to the Scholarship Program policies and procedures booklet that explains all of the degree programs available to Members, a checklist document for each program will make the financial aid application process more efficient and effective.

The Nation’s Scholarship Program is accessible for all eligible Members and it will continue to provide the best support for students. For more information on scholarship policies and opportunities, or if you have any other questions about the program, contact Lindsey Langdon at llangdon@oneida-nation.org or (315) 829-8150.

In the fall of 2018, Colgate University’s Longyear Museum of Anthropology featured a unique exhibit to examine the issues of cultural identity and appropriation that affect indigenous people all over the world. The exhibit was entitled (not a costume) to signify the intrinsic and personal value of all of the pieces that were submitted.

The university’s indigenous community members loaned several items of clothing and jewelry, from traditional handmade regalia to contemporary commercial t-shirts, to display how Native fashion is deeply personal and to share the stories each article of clothing represents. Kandice Watson (Wolf Clan) and Lisa Latocha (Turtle Clan) were two Nation Members that submitted clothing for the exhibit.

Lisa also contributes to the new Haudenosaunee women’s magazine Rematriation as an editor and communications strategist. It officially launches on March 30th with a red carpet event at SKY Armory in Syracuse. The magazine is a partner of the Seven Dancers Coalition and offers a platform for Haudenosaunee women to share their stories.

John Logan’s (Wolf Clan) wife, Jackie Old Coyote Logan (Apsáalooke) also participated in the exhibit.

Raising awareness of American Indian cultural identity is a critical step toward ending the use of traditional regalia as costumes. The appropriation of stereotypes to entire groups of people is harmful in any practice, and museums like the Longyear Museum at Colgate University play an important role in reversing that trend in popular culture.

Families and friends of the Oneida Indian Nation community gathered for the 24^th annual Three Sisters Dinner at Turning Stone Resort’s Shenendoah Clubhouse on Thursday, March 7. It was another blustery, cold day, but everyone in attendance warmed up quickly with the delicious healthy food platter prepared by Turning Stone chefs.

The dinner is coordinated by the Nation’s Diabetes Program and highlights the importance of the sustainers of life – corn, beans and squash. Mollie Tracy, the Oneida Indian Nation’s diabetes program coordinator, says it’s also about raising awareness of diabetes, which disproportionally affects American Indians, and maintaining healthy living habits to prevent it. That’s why this year’s theme was “Coloring Your Plate with the Colors of Nutrition.”

Prior to the main course, Health Services prepared stations in the corners of the ballroom with all kinds of colorful fruits and vegetables. A few stations included favorites like fresh kiwi, cantaloupe and clementines as well as rarer kinds like gooseberry and starfruit. Turning Stone chef Bryan Hammond also prepared a cauliflower salad that he said is as delicious as it is photogenic.

The event began with the Thanksgiving Address, which was recited by Oneida language trainee Chelsea Jocko (Wolf Clan). Nation Representative Ray Halbritter (Wolf Clan) then spoke briefly about his own experiences in healthy living and how he stays active.

Mollie thanked Ray for sharing his personal healthy living story. When you hear stories, it can inspire and motivate others to take care of their own physical wellbeing. Paying attention to your workout and eating habits are great ways to start getting in shape, even if it’s running a few minutes each day or counting the calories of your meals.

Karen Halbritter and daughter Kathryn (Wolf Clan) attend the Three Sisters Dinner regularly. Both said they try to eat healthy and train regularly as well.

“It’s great to see and visit with family and friends,” Kathryn said. “The food is always delicious, too.”

The dinner itself featured something for everybody’s tastes. There were several healthy salads and vegetable dishes, and a few meat options that included venison as well as a bison chili, which was a perfect choice on the cold night. Barb George-Winton (Wolf Clan) also made the traditional corn soup, which is always a favorite dish every year.

To close out the evening, Chris Thomas led many in some traditional social dances. Several kids even practiced their smoke dancing techniques. With over 150 people in attendance, the Three Sisters Dinner remains a popular event and a great way to welcome spring, even if the snow is still flying.