Onondaga Nation awaits word on land claim

Monday, September 24, 2007  

The Onondaga Nation heads to the courtroom on October 11 to defend its land claim against the state of New York.

The tribe says the state illegally took possession of 4,000 square miles of land that were guaranteed by five treaties. The tribe, however, is not seeking monetary damages, but a settlement that includes environmental remediation.

The state is seeking to have the case dismissed, saying the tribe waited too long to sue. The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, which includes New York, dismissed the Cayuga land claim on similar grounds.

The state also says it can't be sued due to sovereign immunity. The tribe could get around this if the federal government intervenes.

Get the Story:
Nation prepares for court decision (The Syracuse Post-Standard 9/24)

Relevant Links:
Onondaga Nation - http://www.onondaganation.org

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