GEDDES, N.Y. — In the serene backdrop of Onondaga Lake, a site of both historical reverence and modern pollution, the Onondaga Nation strives to reclaim a parcel of cherished land, reflecting a broader struggle for Indigenous rights and restoration.
Once a sacred area for the Onondaga Nation, the lake has evolved from a pristine waterbody to a documented hotspot of pollution. Local awareness of this history propels officials to consider returning the lakeshore land to the Onondaga, yet the initiative has lingered in limbo for 14 years, beset by taxation concerns, the lake’s ecological recovery, and symbolic disputes over a statue of Christopher Columbus.
“It's not called Onondaga Lake for no reason,” asserted Betty Hill, a member of the Nation. This sentiment underscores the deep historical ties the Onondagas have with the region, dating back thousands of years before colonization.
From Sacred Waters to Industrial Waste
Onondaga Lake holds a significant place in the mythology of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, formed with the assistance of the Peacemaker and the Onondaga leader Hiawatha, potentially influencing the framers of the U.S. Constitution. Sadly, the lake suffered centuries of environmental degradation, notably polluted by industrial waste, although restoration efforts have improved its condition somewhat.
Despite its past, the Onondaga Nation regards the lake as a “living relative,” crucial for ceremonies and spiritual practices. Chief Sid Hill reaffirmed this connection in a recent communication with local governance, stating, “We have obligations that need to be honored on its shores.”
Symbolism and Stalemate
Complications arose in the negotiations over the land, particularly concerning the removal of the Columbus statue seen by many as an emblem of colonial oppression. Local officials have suggested that any land transfer could reflect a gesture of partnership, but demands for Columbus to come down muddle the waters further.
The debate over the statue encapsulates the challenges faced by the Onondaga Nation in their pursuit of reparative justice. Betty Hill dismissed proposals of compromise, such as erecting a statue of Hiawatha alongside Columbus, stating, “That’s beyond insulting.”
Obstacles Ahead
Local leaders, including Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, have expressed willingness to negotiate terms but insist on tax payments for reacquired properties and a commitment from the Nation to refrain from litigation regarding ongoing lake restoration efforts. However, issues of historical land rights complicate these demands.
Attorney Joe Heath highlights state laws that exempt the Onondaga from taxation for territories acknowledged in historical treaties. Meanwhile, Betty Hill persists in their efforts, declaring, “We’re not going to stop in this quest to gain a piece of this back for our people and our confederacy.”
