Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
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ONEIDA, NEW YORK - On Wednesday, Feb. 20, the CPT delegation in Oneida, NY concluded its first phase of presence and engagement with members of the Oneida Nation whose homes are targeted for inspection and demolition on a thirty-two acre plot of land. CPT will continue to be in touch with people there and a brief summary report will be issued later.

Thursday, Feb. 14; A team member called local churches to discuss the CPT presence in the Oneida area. Non-violence training with Anne Herman continued in the evening following a potluck meal.

Friday, Feb. 15; As the team was leaving morning prayers, a woman shouted an invitation to attend longhouse. The team respectfully declined thinking it was inappropriate for them to attend.

The three CPTers then met with United Methodist Church Pastor Betsye Mowry in the city of Oneida and discussed sovereignty, racial tension and land issues.

The team had lunch with Joanne Shenandoah and her husband, Doug George- Kanentiio , viewed a video and received his new book, IROQUOIS CULTURE AND COMMENTARY. The couple shared their vision of an Iroquois university.

Saturday Feb. 16; After morning prayers a local resident told the team about the loss of her position as librarian at the local Bureau of Indian Affairs center because she listed Maisie Shenandoah as a source of Oneida traditions.

Two residents of the disputed area left to attend a ceremony at the long house. They said they felt encouragement that some healing may be taking place because they were not asked to leave.

Monday, Feb 18; The team visited various sites around the Oneida area started by John Humphrey Noyes. Members of the Oneida community followed a theology of "perfectionism" and started the Oneida Silverware Corporation.

Tuesday, Feb. 19; The team met with Oneida mayor Jim Chappel who said the casino doesn't generate money locally. He said the fire company and city police will respond to calls from the native areas, but will no longer help enforce the housing code and would intervene with tribal police abuse only if supported by the court or District Attorney. The Mayor described the tribal police as a mercenary force. He said motor fuel taxes dropped 35.6 per cent from 2000 to 2001 and to base an economic recovery on a casino doesn't make sense. He does not support native sovereignty and said the land was not stolen but all bought from the Indians.

The team had lunch with Robert Hansen, Director of the Inter-religious Council of Central New York (IRC), his wife, Karen, who is on the Native American Task Force of IRC and Joan Cope Savage of the Syracuse Society of Friends and Friends of the Onondaga Nation (NOON.)

Wednesday Feb. 20; The team tied up loose ends, said good-bys, worked on final reports and started the trip home.