Onondaga Tribe

The Onondaga tribe was one of the five original nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. Their traditional homeland is present-day upstate New York. This location was not only the central point between the other four nations (Cayuga and Seneca to their west and the Oneida and Mohawk to their east) but was the location of the Iroquois government, which is still the place of meeting today. The contemporary Onondaga, member of the Six Nation, is located in Ontario, Canada.
The Iroquois Confederacy was formed by the union of the Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, Oneida, and Mohawk nations. This alliance brought about a great power. The Onondaga’s contributions were many:
1. In government, the spiritual leader, Tadadaho, served as the fiftieth chief on the council. This title is still used today. There are 50 chiefs in the structured government system of the Iroquois Confederacy. Chiefs are also known as Hoyane. Fourteen of the 50 chiefs are from the Onondaga nation. These positions are held for life. Upon death, clan mothers elect replacement chief(s) to open positions.
2. Lifestyle: As a hunter and gather people, the Onondaga grew corn, bean, and squash. They gathered onion, dandelion, milkweed, and strawberries. They hunter ate deer, turkey, rabbit, and other game. Because they were a nation for the people, they shared with others in the community. They clothing were made of deer skin, which were made into dresses, leggings, moccasins, and aprons. Their headpiece or gustoweh for the men were distinct to the nation, with two feathers, one pointing up and the other pointing down.
3. Language: The language was Onöñda’gega, meaning “People of the Hills”. It is spoken in the United States and Canada.
4. Religion: The religion include the Longhouse, Handsome Lake, Gai'hwi:io, Kanoh'hon'io, Kahni'kwi'io, Other Indigenous Religion. They believe in a Creator whom they celebrated with song, dance, and food.
5. Revenue: Traditional Onondaga generate revenue from casino style business on their reservations, while Contemporary Onondaga generate revenue from 24 hour tax-free cigarette smoke shops. The revenue is put back into the community building and restoration.
6. Notables: Notables of the Onondaga nations include a Professional Distance Running Champion, Tom Longboat, whom has many record breaking distance running wins. Oren L. Lyons, faithkeeper of the Turtle clan, served in the Army and graduated from Syracuse University College of Fine Arts, whom is active in national and international issues affecting native people.

New World Encyclopedia contributors, "Onondaga (tribe)," New World Encyclopedia, http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Onondaga_%28tribe%29?oldid=841756 (accessed November 10, 2010).

Denisha H.