The Onondagas are a Native American tribe belonging to the Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee. They are one of the Six Nations of the Confederacy, which includes the Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora nations. The Onondagas are primarily located in present-day central New York State, specifically within Onondaga County.
Historically, the Onondagas were a sedentary agricultural people, relying on the cultivation of crops such as corn, beans, and squash for sustenance. They also engaged in hunting, fishing, and gathering practices to supplement their diet. The tribe had a matrilineal kinship system, which meant that lineage and clan membership were passed down through the female line.
The Onondaga community was organized around longhouses, which were large communal homes housing multiple families. These longhouses were situated within fortified villages to provide protection against potential conflicts with other Native American tribes.
The Onondagas played a crucial role in the formation and continuance of the Iroquois Confederacy. Their central location within the confederacy made them a vital political and diplomatic force. The Onondagas continue to maintain their cultural traditions and practices, including ceremonies, social dances, storytelling, and craftsmanship.
Today, the Onondaga Nation consists of approximately 2,800 enrolled members, with a significant number residing on their traditional lands in Onondaga County. The tribe continues to assert their sovereignty, advocating for environmental and social justice issues, as well as the protection of their ancestral lands and cultural heritage.
