Oneida Nation of the Thames celebrated its 186th birthday this past weekend with events in Port Stanley and at the Community Centre in Oneida.
The commemoration kicked off Friday at Little Beach in Port Stanley, the landing spot for 200 individuals who crossed Lake Erie after being forced out of their original homes in Oneida, New York.
The day featured storytelling, cultural teachings, history, demonstrations, activities, vendors and community sharing that recognizes Oneida’s connection to the Port area.
Oneida Nation of the Thames elected councillor Alizabeth George Antone observed, “In the time of reconciliation, today is what partnership looks like. Two communities bringing their minds together as one to honor a shared story.”
She told of the long journey on foot from Port Stanley to their new home.
Antone continued, “I believe our ancestors walked this beach with us today.”
She added, “We are a settlement and we say that with pride. Our ancestors chose our own path and they chose it for us.”
Central Elgin Mayor Andrew Sloan observed, “The shoreline holds significance for the Oneida people and today gives us an opportunity to learn more about that connection and the journey that brought the Oneida people here in 1840.
During the ceremony, it was announced a mural will be painted on the south wall of the Art Emporium building, facing the lake.
Sloan concluded, ‘When we think about Port Stanley, many of us think about its history as a fishing community and the tourism and recreation that have become such an important part of life here. But there’s another important story connected to this place.”
Written by Ian McCallum
