Indigenous People

Two Indigenous women in Syracuse say they believe Native American Heritage month is worthwhile, though they share thoughts that public awareness efforts don't go far enough.

For five decades, an Akwesasne school in northern New York has offered an alternative to Western education by placing Mohawk culture and language at the center of its curriculum.

After years of negotiations with the Onondaga County government, the Onondaga Nation plans to use the traditional land, near Jamesville prison, as a cemetery.

The certificate that focuses on indigenous culture and languages will be presented for consideration in June.

A map from 1792 that shows parcels that make up the Onondaga Nation territory covers all of Syracuse, Onondaga County and other local towns and villages. Put in historical perspective, it sheds light on illegal treaties that took the land from indigenous people, reducing the reservation size to a small fraction of what it was.

Diane Shenandoah was hired by Syracuse University to help with indigenous students' wellness and sense of belonging, part of changes to campus that serve and acknowledge Native American culture.

Haudenosaunee women have important roles in the governing structure of their tribes. The Land You're On podcast focuses on matriarchal society and whether such groups influenced the US women's movement.

Hawaiian college student Aysha-Lynn Ke'alohilani WaiLin Estrella faced unexpected bias and stereotypes when she came all the way to Syracuse University, but found acceptance and comfort in Native American groups.

This week activists and a local health non-profit remembered those who had passed from AIDS on World AIDS Day; harsh weather meant more shelter intakes for the Syracuse Rescue Mission and indigenous students discussed what Syracuse University can do to make the students feel supported. Check this week's WAER Round-Up to find what other local news you've missed from Nov. 28- Dec. 2!

Akwesasne Mohawk Kateleen Ellis recently graduated from Syracuse University and reflects back on how indigenous student programs help make Native American students feel welcome, while cultural ignorance in faculty, staff and other students remains.