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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2002

The Oneida Nation of New York on Tuesday issued a statement explaining why it canceled a screening of a movie at Syracuse University.

The tribe said it pulled James M. Fortier's "Alcatraz Is Not An Island" because of threats and potential violence at the school. The threats were tied to Doug George-Kanentiio, who is married to award-winning singer and Oneida tribal member Joanne Shenandoah.

George-Kanentiio is an internationally recognized columnist. The tribe, however, said his past record -- including an arrest for murder on the St. Regis / Akwesasne Reservation -- and his "hatred" for Oneida Nation representative Ray Halbritter could have led to harm.

In an interview with The Syracuse Post-Standard, George-Kanentiio denies making threats. The paper confirmed a call and e-mail he made about the tribe's screening.

Get the Story:
Oneida Nation cancels showing (The Syracuse Newspapers 4/17)
Safety Issues Prompt Cancellation of Film Showing (The Oneida Nation 4/16)

Relevant Links:
Joanne Shenandoah - http://www.joanneshenandoah.com

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Oneida Nation offers home to member (12/19)
Video clears up little in Oneida dispute (12/10)
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Oneida Nation disputes homes (11/20)