Onondaga Nation
Onondaga Nation & OCC
The history of the Onondaga Nation and its connection to OCC
The name "Onondaga" means "People of the Hills," and the Onondaga Nation is a member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. As the keepers of the Central Fire, the Onondaga is regarded as the capital of this confederacy. OCC is located on Onondaga land, the historical home of Tadodaho. The college's original logo featured a fire symbol, reflecting the story of the firekeepers. Since 1995, OCC has been proud to fly the Haudenosaunee flag, honoring the legacy of the Onondaga Nation and its vital role in the region’s history. We hope to educate and preserve the story of the Onondaga Nation for current and future students.
OCC’s Crest History as The Firekeepers
1961
In 1961, Edward S. Jay, an English faculty member, designed the first college seal. This seal featured a central longhouse representing the Onondaga Nation, a peace pipe and wampum symbolizing the Onondaga’s role in forming the Iroquois Confederacy, and the sacred fire, among other elements representing the college and local history.
1969 – 2005
In 1969, a new seal was introduced by Steve Meltzer, the Art Director for WCNY-TV. This seal featured a three-point flame symbolizing the three major divisions of the college: Liberal Arts, Mechanical Arts, and Creative and Performing Arts. The flame was a modern take on the traditional three-point leaf, surrounded by a laurel to symbolize success.
2005 – Present
The current crest, adopted in 2005, was designed by Jennifer Wolfe Design. It includes an "O" (made of two "C"s for community and college), a flame symbolizing both self-discovery and the Onondaga longhouse, quills for personal growth, and an open book representing knowledge.
Art On Campus
Wampum Twist
Wampum Twist showcases the intertwining of multiple wampum belts including One Dish, Two Row, Hiawatha, Evergreen Tree, Women’s Nomination Belt, and the Onondaga Friendship Belt. A spike pattern enhances the twisting motion of the belts, with floral borders framing the top and bottom of the painting.
Location: Gordon Hallway
About the Artist: Brandon Lazore is Snipe clan from the Onondaga Nation. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Onondaga Community College where he studied art. His work celebrates Haudenosaunee culture and serves as a learning tool for passersby.
Haudenosaunee Man/Two Worlds
Haudenosaunee Man/Two Worlds depicts the dual existence of Haudenosaunee people, blending traditional and modern elements. The central figure wears both traditional and contemporary attire, symbolizing the intersection of cultures. His arms are outstretched touching the Circle Wampum and the Two Row Wampum covers his face. Surrounding him are cultural icons and symbols, while the background shows the skyline of Syracuse and a modern longhouse. The painting represents the journey from birth (depicted in the naming ceremony) to death, with the Four Protectors guarding each corner. Stone, wampum, and eagle gargoyles line the border.
Location: Gordon Hallway
About the Artist: Brandon Lazore is Snipe clan from the Onondaga Nation. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Onondaga Community College where he studied art. His work celebrates Haudenosaunee culture and serves as a learning tool for passersby.
Gayaneñhsä•ʔgo•nah
Gayaneñhsä•ʔgo•nah is a visual account of the Haudenosaunee influence on the formation of the United States and the Women’s Suffrage Movement, told through three main themes. The upper section features Cannasatego, the Seal of the United States of America, and Benjamin Franklin. The central depiction transitions from an old-style longhouse to a modern one, with the Peace Maker, Tadodaho, Jagonsaseh, and Hiawatha embodying the Great Law. Several significant Wampum Belts symbolize the founders of peace: Dust Fan/Evergrowing Tree, Hiawatha, Tadodaho, and Women’s Nomination. Below them, the Twins, representing day and night, engage in lacrosse. The struggle for Women’s suffrage is depicted in the lower section, where Haudenosaunee women educate American women on the freedom and status they possess. Figures like Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Staton, and Matilda Gage are featured alongside a scene from the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848. Traditional patterns adorn the border, along with symbols from the Condolence Cane’s roll call.
Location: Gordon Hallway
About the Artist: Brandon Lazore is Snipe clan from the Onondaga Nation. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Onondaga Community College where he studied art. His work celebrates Haudenosaunee culture and serves as a learning tool for passersby.
The Friendship
The Friendship painting serves as a reminder of the treaties between the Anishinaabe Confederacy and the Haudenosaunee People. The scene depicts a pristine landscape with Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee men standing to the side. One Dish Wampum and Friendship Wampum belts embellish the top and bottom, accompanied by floral and berry motifs interspersed throughout.
Location: Outside of The Center for Native and Indigenous Students – Mawhinney 275
About the Artist: Brandon Lazore is Snipe clan from the Onondaga Nation. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Onondaga Community College where he studied art. His work celebrates Haudenosaunee culture and serves as a learning tool for passersby.
Drew Barry More & More
This particular work on paper is a study. I often will do a paper version of a concept that I am considering scaling up to a canvas version.
There is a long history of celebrities dawning war bonnets and other indigenous regalia for different reasons. When called out for the appropriation of cultural iconography they often justify it as “all in good fun” like during Halloween or “honoring Native people.” My work has investigated the conversation between the dominant “popular” culture and indigenous nations who often see these uses as sacrilegious. It would be as if someone decided to use Pope hats as inspiration for a brand or advertising. Where does Americana end? Where does Native American begin? - Frank Buffalo Hyde
Location: Storer Auditorium Lobby
About the Artist: Frank Buffalo Hyde, a Southwestern born artist who traces his heritage to the Nez Perce and Onondaga people, has been recognized for breaking through the boundaries that many place around what they think Native American art should look like. He is defining himself as a Native American without being a stereotype dealing with what he calls the "fragmented contemporary life" of a Native U.S. citizen.
Onondaga Clans
This piece represents the Onondaga clans.
Location: Coulter Hall Lobby
About the Artist: Peter B. Jones was born an Onondaga citizen (Beaver Clan) in 1947 and grew up on the Cattaraugus Seneca Reservation in western New York, where he now operates a pottery workshop and studio. He studied under Hopi artist Otellie Loloma while attending the Institute of American Indian Art in New Mexico. His pottery, which has revived traditional Haudenosaunee pit firing, hand-built coiling, and slab construction, is admired, and collected by community members, art collectors, and museums across the country and internationally. Reminiscent of early Haudenosaunee pottery, Jones’ art both speaks to cultural continuity and directly reflects the issues that have impacted Haudenosaunee people. Jones works mostly in stoneware and white earthenware clay. He is currently teaching young potters at the Seneca Nation Sully, building a traditional arts and Seneca language facility on the Cattaraugus reservation.
The Fancy Dance: The Fastest In The County
This piece was intended to capture movement and the beautiful dance style of the Fancy Dance that is seen across America within Indigenous communities and gatherings. The dance is loved across many Nations and Tribes throughout Indian Country and is used to uplift Native communities. Dances are used to showcase talent as well as bring people together. Fancy Dance is one of the fastest and most energetic dances.
Location: Whitney Building
About the Artist: Kocechvmpv Emarthle, 19 years old from 6 Nations Ontario, Canada. He is studying Liberal Arts and General Sciences. He is Tuscarora, Turtle Clan. His longhouse name is Hasondiyohsta, meaning "he makes the night sky beautiful".
Stoic Indian
This piece captures an elder staring back at you looking into your spirit. It represents good guidance and living life in the good way. Elders are people who have lived a good life and have made it to old age. Elders show the young people the good path and good ways of living. This drawing was inspired by elders observed by myself when I was younger, looking over the village. Elders that we go to seeking wisdom and guidance.
Location: Whitney Building
About the Artist: Kocechvmpv Emarthle, 19 years old from 6 Nations Ontario, Canada. He is studying Liberal Arts and General Sciences. He is Tuscarora, Turtle Clan. His longhouse name is Hasondiyohsta, meaning "he makes the night sky beautiful".
Storytelling Traditions of the Indigenous People
Watch these videos to learn more about storytelling traditions of the Indigenous people.
More Resources
The Onondaga Nation
The Onondaga Nation is a member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The Haudenosaunee is translated to the People of the Longhouse which is an alliance of native nations united for hundreds of years by law, traditions, beliefs, and cultural values. Learn more on The Onondaga Nation website!
The Skä•noñh Center
The Skä•noñh – Great Law of Peace Center is a Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Cultural Center focused on telling the story of the native peoples of central New York. The history covers topics such as Creation, European Contact, The Great Law of Peace, and more. Skä•noñh is an Onondaga welcoming greeting meaning “Peace and Wellness.”