GEDDES, N.Y. (AP) — Before the arrival of white settlers and the pollution that tainted its waters, Onondaga Lake was revered by the Onondaga Nation. Amidst a push to reclaim a parcel of land, complications involving taxes, lake cleanup, and local political symbols, such as a statue of Christopher Columbus, have emerged.
The Onondaga Nation has long sought to reacquire more land from their pre-colonial past, particularly coveted is a lakeshore property that holds significant cultural importance. Nation member Betty Hill emphasizes the lake's historical relevance, stating, “It’s not called Onondaga Lake for some arbitrary reason.” This lake is seen as a vital aspect of their heritage and environmental well-being.
Historically, Onondaga Lake was a meeting ground that helped establish the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, influencing key documents such as the U.S. Constitution. However, by the 20th century, the area was heavily polluted by industries that dumped harmful waste into the lake, leading to ongoing cleanup efforts that have yet to fully restore it.
Recent discussions for land recovery have been hampered by minimal progress since the introduction of resolutions that sought to initiate the transfer. The presence of a Columbus statue has further complicated these talks, as the Onondaga view it as a hallmark of colonial oppression. Attempts to negotiate a symbolic gesture, such as adding a statue of Hiawatha, have been met with resistance from the Onondaga, highlighting the tensions that persist in these discussions.
County Executive Ryan McMahon has stated that tax obligations and cleanup assurances must be met for any deal to progress, which has drawn scrutiny from Onondaga representatives who argue against the need for taxes on tribal lands.
Despite the challenges, Betty Hill asserts the determination of the Onondaga Nation in their pursuit: “We’re not going to stop in this quest to gain a piece of this back for our people and our confederacy.”
The Onondaga Nation has long sought to reacquire more land from their pre-colonial past, particularly coveted is a lakeshore property that holds significant cultural importance. Nation member Betty Hill emphasizes the lake's historical relevance, stating, “It’s not called Onondaga Lake for some arbitrary reason.” This lake is seen as a vital aspect of their heritage and environmental well-being.
Historically, Onondaga Lake was a meeting ground that helped establish the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, influencing key documents such as the U.S. Constitution. However, by the 20th century, the area was heavily polluted by industries that dumped harmful waste into the lake, leading to ongoing cleanup efforts that have yet to fully restore it.
Recent discussions for land recovery have been hampered by minimal progress since the introduction of resolutions that sought to initiate the transfer. The presence of a Columbus statue has further complicated these talks, as the Onondaga view it as a hallmark of colonial oppression. Attempts to negotiate a symbolic gesture, such as adding a statue of Hiawatha, have been met with resistance from the Onondaga, highlighting the tensions that persist in these discussions.
County Executive Ryan McMahon has stated that tax obligations and cleanup assurances must be met for any deal to progress, which has drawn scrutiny from Onondaga representatives who argue against the need for taxes on tribal lands.
Despite the challenges, Betty Hill asserts the determination of the Onondaga Nation in their pursuit: “We’re not going to stop in this quest to gain a piece of this back for our people and our confederacy.”
