Historic Land Restitution for Onondaga Nation

The Onondaga Nation has regained 1,000 acres of its ancestral land in upstate New York. This land, unjustly taken in the 18th century, has been returned under a federal Superfund settlement. The Onondagas are now pursuing further land claims through the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

The Onondaga Nation has successfully reclaimed 1,000 acres of its ancestral land in upstate New York, a small but significant fraction of the territory that was taken from them beginning in the 18th century.

The reclaimed land, located south of Syracuse, includes the headwaters of Onondaga Creek and was transferred by Honeywell International as part of a federal Superfund settlement addressing environmental contamination, according to the Onondaga Nation.

The Onondaga Nation's larger goal involves the reclamation of 2.5 million acres in central New York, a territory taken through questionable legal maneuvers starting in 1788.

Sid Hill, the Tadodaho (chief) of the Onondaga Nation, expressed gratitude towards federal and state officials for their cooperation in returning the first 1,000 acres of treaty-guaranteed land. He called this restitution "a small but important step" for the Onondaga Nation and the broader Indigenous land back movement in the United States.

After unsuccessful attempts in U.S. courts, the Onondaga Nation is now presenting their case to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, hoping this avenue will lead to negotiations for the return of more land.

(With inputs from agencies.)