GEDDES, N.Y. — Onondaga Lake, historically revered as a sacred place by the Onondaga Nation, has undergone severe ecological degradation since the arrival of white settlers, transforming it into one of the most polluted waterways in the U.S. Local officials are considering transferring a parcel of lakeshore land back to the Onondagas, a goal that has lingered for 14 years due to various complications, including tax liabilities, environmental cleanup, and cultural commemoration.
Betty Hill, a member of the Onondaga Nation, emphasized the significance of the lake to their identity and history, stating, It’s not called Onondaga Lake for some arbitrary reason; they know it belonged to us for thousands of years.
The lake is not only a vital natural resource but also a historical site where the Peacemaker united the Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, and Onondaga nations into the Iroquois Confederacy, which greatly influenced the formation of the U.S. Constitution. However, industrial pollution has marred the lake's purity, and while restoration efforts have improved its condition, advisories against consuming its fish remain due to lingering contaminants.
Onondaga leaders, such as Sid Hill, the chief or Tadodaho, stress the necessity of reclaiming lakeshore land for cultural practices and ceremonies. While there have been legislative attempts since 2011 to facilitate land transfer, these efforts largely remain stalled. Furthermore, disputes surrounding a Columbus statue in downtown Syracuse, seen by the Onondaga as emblematic of colonial oppression, have complicated negotiations.
Despite the challenges, Betty Hill asserts their resolve, declaring, We’re not going to stop in this quest to gain a piece of this back for our people and our confederacy. As discussions continue, the Onondaga Nation remains steadfast in its commitment to rebuilding its connections with the land.
Betty Hill, a member of the Onondaga Nation, emphasized the significance of the lake to their identity and history, stating, It’s not called Onondaga Lake for some arbitrary reason; they know it belonged to us for thousands of years.
The lake is not only a vital natural resource but also a historical site where the Peacemaker united the Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, and Onondaga nations into the Iroquois Confederacy, which greatly influenced the formation of the U.S. Constitution. However, industrial pollution has marred the lake's purity, and while restoration efforts have improved its condition, advisories against consuming its fish remain due to lingering contaminants.
Onondaga leaders, such as Sid Hill, the chief or Tadodaho, stress the necessity of reclaiming lakeshore land for cultural practices and ceremonies. While there have been legislative attempts since 2011 to facilitate land transfer, these efforts largely remain stalled. Furthermore, disputes surrounding a Columbus statue in downtown Syracuse, seen by the Onondaga as emblematic of colonial oppression, have complicated negotiations.
Despite the challenges, Betty Hill asserts their resolve, declaring, We’re not going to stop in this quest to gain a piece of this back for our people and our confederacy. As discussions continue, the Onondaga Nation remains steadfast in its commitment to rebuilding its connections with the land.
