Oneidas for Democracy

Voices of the Oneida People:

The Grand Council of the Haudenosaunee affirmed its opposition to the leadership of Halbritter and his “men’s council” system which is recognized by the US government. In 1993 the Grand Council removed its support of Halbritter as an Oneida spokesperson. In 1995 about 150 Oneida people went on a “March for Democracy” to oppose the decisions being made in secret by the “men’s council”. After the march everyone who participated lost all Nation benefits and were told they were guilty of treason and had “lost their voice”. As of December, 2001 the traditional Oneidas have been able to carry on this struggle because of external support but our resources, as humble as they are, have been exhausted.