The Onondaga Tribe is part of the Iroquois Confederacy and occupies their traditional homeland in upstate New York. They sided with the British during the American Revolution and some migrated to Canada. They signed a treaty with the US in 1974 and are now a sovereign nation. They finance public works through tax-free tobacco sales and retain traditional government positions. Members pursue conventional professions but retain traditional beliefs and values.
The Onondaga Tribe is one of the Northeastern Native American tribes. They are considered an integral part of the Iroquois Five Nations, or Iroquois Confederacy. Today, they mostly continue to occupy their traditional homeland, which is in upstate New York, south of Syracuse. For the most part, members of the Onondaga tribe still participate in traditional rituals and many retain traditional cultural beliefs and values.
It is generally accepted that the Onondaga tribe sided with the British during the American Revolution, after American forces advanced on their capital on April 20, 1779. When the British recognized the independence of the United States, it is believed that many members of the Onondaga they migrated north to Canada to start a new Onondaga nation.
Members of the Onondaga tribe who remained in the United States signed the Treaty of Canandaigua on November 11, 1974. The United States granted the Onondaga rights to their traditional homeland in Article II of the treaty. Today the Onondagas are a sovereign nation within the borders of the United States.
Sovereign nations are generally not required to pay taxes to the United States government, nor are they generally required to pay taxes to New York State. The Onondaga Nation generally meets its own needs without interference from state or federal governments. The Onondaga tribe retains its traditional and democratic system of government. A Council of Chiefs governs the tribe.
Unlike other tribes in the region, the Onondaga Nation generally does not condone generating revenue through the use of casinos. The Onondaga Nation typically finances public works by selling tobacco, exempt from sales and excise taxes imposed by the US and New York state governments. Funds from tax-free tobacco sales generally go towards repairing schools, roads and houses, building and maintaining local hospitals, and providing a sports arena for public use.
Modern members of the Onondaga tribe typically pursue conventional professions, including teaching, medicine, and civil service. The Onondaga Nation retains the important and traditional positions of Clan Chief, Loyal, and Mother. These revered people continue to hold an honored position in Onondaga society.
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