Oneida Nation Throughout western civilization, cultures have been defined by the political, customary and social activities of individuals living in the same time and place. But for the people of the Oneida Nation, now more than 15,000 members, their culture and language is seen as a continuous thread weaving through time. One of the six nations that make up the Iroquois Confederacy, Oneida people approach the present with a sense of reverence for the past and responsibility to the future. You can learn more about the rich Oneida heritage and colorful history by visiting the Oneida Nation Museum. The story of the Oneida (People of the Standing Stone) unfolds in a series of unique exhibits which explain the history of the Iroquois Confederacy, the focus on Iroquois men and women. Nestled within the trees of the Oneida Reservation, the Oneida Nation Museum provides a hands- on exhibit where you can feel the weight of the corn pounder, the texture of the beadwork, hides and cornhusk items. Step into the past by walking through a reconstructed authentic Oneida Longhouse located on the museum grounds. Another way to experience the Oneida social traditions is by taking part in their annual Pow wow's, held every year on the Fourth of July weekend. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to take part in the celebration. Pow wow's are simply a social gathering where people come together to renew old friendships and make new ones. Don't worry if you don't know the procedures or dances because the Oneida Pow wow's has an emcee to keep things in order. Come and experience the pageantry, the colors and the beat of the drums at the Oneida Nation Pow wow's. The Oneida Nation Museum and the Oneida Nation Pow wow's are just a few of the activities available for the whole family. The Oneida approach to lifelong wellness encompasses the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of life, keeping us in constant celebration with Mother Earth and natural medicines. A wellness center we call Tsyunhehkwa (pronounced joon- hay- qwa +meaning "It provides life for us") is located on an 80- acre organic farm on the reservation and is open to the public. It offers Native American alternative medicines, 140 different herbs, oils for healing and Aroma Therapy. In addition, the store is stocked with traditional white corn soup and a variety of organic food products. The Oneida Nation also offers full scale tours for visitors. Enjoy the heritage, culture and economic growth of the Oneida. From the uniquely designed "Turtle School" to the Oneida gaming complex, we have tailored tours for any size group. Stop in any one of our many One- Stop Convenience Stores and Smokeshops (1-800-206-1100). Stay at the luxurious Radison Hotel and Conference Center, Green Bay, complete with an olympic- size pool, fitness room and gift shop. Adults are assured a good time at Oneida Bingo and Casino, and everyone will enjoy the many attractions in the Green Bay Area including the Wildlife Sanctuary, the Packer Hall of Fame and the National Railroad Museum. For more information regarding the Oneida Nation, call (800) 236- 2214, or visit www.oneidanation.org Did You know Facts The first Episcopal church in the Michigan Territories-art of which is now known as Wisconsin-s on the Oneida Indian Reservation. The Oneida Tribe came to Wisconsin from New York as the result of a treaty with the Menominee Indians, and originally had aboriginal title to approximately eight million acres in the state of Wisconsin. The Oneida Tribe had seven commissioned officers in the Revolutionary War. The oldest Methodist Mission church in the State of Wisconsin is located in Oneida. Oneida Tribal member Tom Skenandore was the first professional football player employed by the team today known as the Green Bay Packers. Uniquely Oneida The Turtle School The Oneida Nation's Elementary school is known as the "Turtle School," and from this aerial photo you can see why. The Turtle is symbolic of Mother Earth to the Oneida People and is the foundation for the design and curriculum of the Oneida Tribal School. In the Oneida Creation Story the turtle- back along with the creatures of the water and sky helped to create the "Great Turtle Island", our Mother Earth. The nurturing arms of the turtle school are where the classrooms are placed consistent with Oneida- matrilineal culture. The initial drawing for the Turtle School was done by a former Turtle School student, Jolee Skenandore, Bear Clan. Why The Cornhusk Doll Has No Face It was the harvest season and everything was made ready for winter. The children didn- have anything to play with, so the woman made corn husk dolls. Now, one doll was made very special, and she was very beautiful. One day, when she had passed by the water, she saw her reflection in the water, and became very proud and haughty because of her beauty. She was so proud of herself, that she would not let any of the children play with her. The "Great Spirit" had seen how the doll would run away from the children, so that no one could touch her beauty. This did not please the "Great Spirit" to see her act that way, so he took her spirit and her face away. When she had realized what had happened to her, she started wandering the earth. She came upon a snail, and asked him if he knew how she could get her face and spirit back. The snail was upset, because he could not help her out, and besides, he was very unhappy himself. The snail complained,"It always takes me so long to get anywhere,"and a nearby raccoon heard his complaint. The raccoon then put the snail out of his misery and ate him. The doll went on, and tried to ask a squirrel for help, but he had no time because he was busy collecting nuts for the winter. She saw a turtle, but he was on his way to sleep for the winter. She asked all of the other creatures she came upon for their help, but all were too busy with themselves. She began to feel tired, and then she saw the owl. Asking him for his advice, he replied, "You must forget yourself and your own concerns, and start helping others." That is why the cornhusk doll has no face. Attractions Oneida Nation Museum 866 EE Road, P.O. Box 365, Oneida, WI 54155-0365 (920) 869-2768 Oneida Nation Tours; Tailored group tours serving to inform visitors about the heritage, culture and economic growth of the Oneida Tribe. Points of interest include tribal government buildings, the uniquely designed "Turtle School," the Oneida gaming complex and the Oneida Nation Museum. Call (920) 869-4275 Tsyunhehkwa (joon-hay-qwa) Alternative Healthcare & Organic Farm. Alternative medicines, herbs, oils and organic food products. Hours 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Mon. -Fri. and Sat. 10:00 am - Noon, (920) 869-2707 Native American Gift Shops (Various locations) Call (920) 869-4382 Oneida Smokeshops - 4 convenient Green Bay locations Oneida Nation P.O. Box 365 Oneida, WI 54155 Phone: (920) 869-4364 Fax: (920) 869-4040 http://www.oneidanation.org Lodging Information