Visiting Native American reservations (New York, Buffalo: college, casino, law)

[CRFTony]

I'm currently working on a book of photography of Native Americans and life on the reservations. I've been out west for a while and I'm hoping to get up to Western NY in a few weeks and I was wondering if anyone could recommend which reservations are the most welcoming of "outsiders" and if anyone has advice on which would be the most interesting to visit.

Many thanks.

[ckhthankgod]

Well, there is an Onondaga Nation Reservation just south of syracuse, but I'm not sure how welcoming they would be. Try the Oneida Nation, which is between Syracuse and Utica. Just off of the exit to the Oneida Nation, you will see the Turning Stone Casino and Resort, that has been big in terms of economics for the nation and the surrounding area. They also have a cultural center as well, which I have been to for a Native American Law class I had in college. I believe the Akwesasne Reservation in Northern NY has a similar set up as well. There are many Reservations in WNY by Buffalo too. Here is some information for you: NEW YORK Indian tribes: BIA (Eastern Area Office) contact info

The Seneca Nation of Indians

Welcome to the Official Website of the Oneida Indian Nation

Onondaga Nation - People of the Hills

St. Regis Mohawk Tribe: Tribal History

I'll try to find some more information for you, if possible.

[Sgoldie]

Too bad you just missed a Native American Festival in downtown Syracuse this past weekend. You could have caught Oren Lyons, faithkeeper, in full dress. Lots of others from the res sitting in the surrounding outdoor cafes.

Off Rt 81 a couple of miles south of Syracuse you'll find an exit for the Onondagas and the newly built recreation center whose signs are in Onondaga which might make a nice photo. Ask first as they are more low key and private than the Akwasasnee (Mohawks) or the Oneidas. The Haudenosaunee (Six Nations) are the families in NYS which consist of the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora.

Here is a link for the Algonquins of the Ottawa Valley if your'e interested -
Native American Nations: Algonquin History and Culture