GEDDES, N.Y. (RTW News) — Long before the arrival of white settlers, Onondaga Lake was a sacred space for the Onondaga Nation, a group indigenous to many areas of New York and parts of Canada. Presently, local officials have shown interest in transferring a piece of lakeshore land back to the Onondagas, but after 14 years of effort, the restoration initiative is bogged down by taxes, lake cleanup issues, and politically charged symbols such as the statue of Christopher Columbus.
Betty Hill, a respected member of the Onondaga, emphasizes the historical significance of Onondaga Lake. She recounts, It’s not called Onondaga Lake for some arbitrary reason. They know that it belonged to us, they know that it was part of our history for thousands of years.
The lake is not only a historical marker but also a vital part of the Onondaga culture, where key figures like the Peacemaker galvanized peace among warring factions to form the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Despite massive industrial pollution over the last two centuries, which compromised the lake's integrity, the Onondaga remain spiritually connected to its waters and land.
Efforts to reclaim the land have faced numerous setbacks, including previous resolutions that ended in pollution disputes. Recent talks have been complicated by the controversial Columbus statue, which is perceived by many, including the Onondaga Nation, as a representation of oppression. The statue's continued presence has muddled discussions about land exchange agreements, causing frustration on both sides.
County Executive Ryan McMahon insists that the pathway to a deal hinges on resolving outstanding issues including tax obligations and expectations concerning future land use. Meanwhile, the Onondaga leaders remain firm in their fight for ancestral land. Betty Hill states, We’re not going to stop in this quest to gain a piece of this back for our people and our confederacy.\
Betty Hill, a respected member of the Onondaga, emphasizes the historical significance of Onondaga Lake. She recounts, It’s not called Onondaga Lake for some arbitrary reason. They know that it belonged to us, they know that it was part of our history for thousands of years.
The lake is not only a historical marker but also a vital part of the Onondaga culture, where key figures like the Peacemaker galvanized peace among warring factions to form the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Despite massive industrial pollution over the last two centuries, which compromised the lake's integrity, the Onondaga remain spiritually connected to its waters and land.
Efforts to reclaim the land have faced numerous setbacks, including previous resolutions that ended in pollution disputes. Recent talks have been complicated by the controversial Columbus statue, which is perceived by many, including the Onondaga Nation, as a representation of oppression. The statue's continued presence has muddled discussions about land exchange agreements, causing frustration on both sides.
County Executive Ryan McMahon insists that the pathway to a deal hinges on resolving outstanding issues including tax obligations and expectations concerning future land use. Meanwhile, the Onondaga leaders remain firm in their fight for ancestral land. Betty Hill states, We’re not going to stop in this quest to gain a piece of this back for our people and our confederacy.\
