Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Oneida Territory, NY - CPT returned to Oneida Nation territory in western New York after Oneida Nation police destroyed the home of Danielle Patterson, an Oneida woman, on Tuesday, October 22. Traditional Oneidas like Patterson claim the destruction of her home is the latest in a series of political persecutions because they oppose the current tribal government, which they characterize as corrupt and contrary to traditional law. This government, under Ray Halbritter, has demolished the homes of several other traditional Oneidas in the last year.

"They can break down my door and demolish my house," said Patterson, "but my spirit is still strong."

Patterson was arrested by Oneida Nation police on October 18 for contempt of court after failing to appear for an Oneida Nation court date in September. After being held at a maximum security prison in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, she appeared in the Oneida Tribal Court on October 21. As part of her plea, she agreed not to interfere with the destruction of her home and the judge gave her 24 hours to remove her belongings. According to witnesses, Oneida Nation, Oneida City, and New York State police were all present on Nation territory during the demolition. Chief Meeker of the Oneida City Police said, "Our main concern is that people don't get hurt."

Patterson and her three children, now homeless, lived in a trailer on soveriegn Oneida territory. Other traditional Oneidas living on the 32 acres of soveriegn territory fear that they may be evicted and their homes destroyed because they have spoken out against the non-traditional tribal government of Ray Halbritter. Nonetheless, they are firm in their intention to live on the land of their ancestors. "We owe it to the generations that are coming to preserve this land," said Oneida Faithkeeper Diane Schenandoah.

According to traditional Oneidas, Halbritter consolidated his power by violating the Great Law of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, of which the Oneidas are a part, and by ignoring the instructions of his Clan Mother. To maintain his control over the tribe, he has created a non-traditional "Men's Council" to replace a system of Clan Mothers and male representatives to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. His government has removed many traditional Oneidas from the tribal payroll and refuses to allow them a voice in the governance and politics of the community. The Oneida Nation police force and judicial system are composed entirely of non-native police officers and judges who report directly to Halbritter.

"The saddest part of all this is how the community has been destroyed," said one Native woman during a visit with CPT. She recalled how safe her community had once been, and how it was now a fearful place. Nonetheless, she was grateful for the happy times she and her children had there.

CPT has maintained a frequent presence at the Oneida Nation since the spring of 2002. Current team members are Ben Horst (Evanston, IL) and Erin Kindy (Tiskilwa, IL.)