Oneida Indian Nation 2020 Annual Report

Unto the Seventh Generation Oneida Indian Nation 2020 Annual Report

A Message From the Nation Representative Children’s Books Preserve Language, Teach and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO Valuable Life Lessons ...... pg. 6 Ray Halbritterr ...... pgs. 1-2

Retaining Our Heritage...... pgs. 7-8 A Message From the Oneida Indian Nation Council ...... pg. 3 Oneida Nation Enterprises Provides Stability for Members, Community During Providing Resources for Members Challenging Yearr ...... pgs. 9-14 of All Generations ...... pg. 4

Nations Remains Committed to Community, Scholarship Program Offers Opportunities Supporting Neighbors ...... pgs. 15-16 for Students ...... pg. 5

www.OneidaIndianNation.com An offi cial publication of the Oneida Indian Nation

Our Commitment to the Seventh Generation

The People and the leadership of the Oneida Indian Nation have identifi ed three principal long-range goals to guide the community and economic development activities of the Nation and the administration and the leadership of the Nation. The adopted long-range goals of the Oneida Indian Nation are as follows:

Help our Members achieve their highest potential in education, physical and mental health, and economic development;

Implement the legal and administrative structure for the stability and protection of Nation sovereignty, treaty rights, and government-to- government relationships; and

Acquire, develop, and secure resources to achieve economic and social empowerment and self-suffi ciency for the Oneida Indian Nation.

These long-range goals have been adopted by the Nation as a guide toward the accomplishment of a progressive dream. Simultaneously, the Nation plans to use the economic incentives available to a sovereign nation to inject new wealth and create jobs for the Oneida community and, signifi cantly, the surrounding communities. hekólih, greetings. The Oneida Resiliency is among the hallmarks Speople have a long history of our People. United in purpose, of perseverance in the face of and with strong leadership, we have struggles dating back to the always remained spirited in getting times of the Revolutionary War, through these challenges. Today, when our ancestors suff ered the the state and counties recognize A Message from the consequences of siding with the our sovereignty, and look to us as American colonies in their fi ght the economic engine for the entire Nation Representative for liberty. Our Oneida ancestors region. and Oneida Nation remained strong and persistent when they determined, in the Determined Enterprises CEO face of relentless pressure, to stay here on our sacred homelands to Serve while others left to start their There is a Cheyenne saying - “a own government to escape the danger foreseen is half-avoided.” greed, scorn and inequity of the The work we have done together overreaching federal and state as a Nation, and the steps we have governments at the time. And, more taken as leaders to secure a better recently, we overcame years of life for our People, have given us a intense strife and turmoil, fi ghting solid foundation on which we can against state and county eff orts to withstand a crisis such as the one seize our lands and shutdown our we are currently experiencing. businesses. Oneida Indian Nation Annual Report 2020 2

The wellbeing of Members is – and remains – our highest priority. In the beginning of the pandemic, we acted quickly to take a number of actions to support our People.

Our fi rst focus was on our Elders and those especially vulnerable to the virus. Our Health Services facility never closed. Our health facility was the fi rst to bring rapid coronavirus testing to the region for our Members and Health Services clients. The Nation was also able Jessica Dowdy (Bear Clan) Executive Offi ce employee to acquire the “Abbot ID NOW” analyzer test for Covid-19 because of the longstanding credibility vaccines speaks to the world-class when we reopened in June, we did of our Health Services and the capabilities provided through our so safely and in a way that will be measures already in place to medical facilities, and the stellar sustainable to see us through this support our Members in response reputation of our skilled employees crisis. to the pandemic. who have done a remarkable job before and throughout the We have been through many The selection of the Nation pandemic. troubled times as a People. But Health Services for distribution together, we have overcome them of the limited supply of Covid-19 We have provided nearly 10,000 all. We can take comfort in the healthy meals to our Elders since fact that our Nation, through the beginning of the pandemic. preparedness, due diligence and Charisse Gibson (Wolf Clan) Elder’s Program employee And our Member Benefi ts Offi ce diffi cult decision making, has remained open as well, and felt less of an impact from the continues to assist when and where pandemic than the community at- they can. large.

Getting Back We understand how challenging this time has been for you, your to Work families, and for all of us. While the pandemic is still with us, things Our businesses support the continue to improve. We will programs and services for our continue to stand together and Members, so it was imperative take care of one another and make to reopen all of our operations decisions based on their impact to as quickly and safely as possible. future generations. During the pandemic, food Our enterprise leadership team donated from our businesses began working as soon as we closed NN7 ki\ki\ wa, helped support the continuation with local and state agencies on a of a daily lunch program for our plan for reopening. Soon after, we Elders, distributing instituted a comprehensive health and safety plan that has been 110,0000,000 Ray Halbritter extremely eff ective in ensuring that, healthy meals. A Message hekóóliih.h As wee movve foorwr ard from a year thhat wasa Sllikek no ototheh r, we dod so acknowledgging thhat whihilee it from the was asas diffi cultl and chhallengingn as any,y it ala soso wass a year tht at unddere sccored ouru colleectivve reesilil encec . Thhe sps iri itt Oneida Indian ana d deetet rmminattioon of our People,e havini g beb en triied andn Nation Council teestted forr gene erationsn , rer mam inns ass strong asa ever.r

NaN viv gatingn the obstat cles placced beefof re us byb thee Turtle Clan panddemmic hasa beee n deemaandinng for susuree. WiW th poosittivive nen ws on thhe horizoon through vacccini e deevelopment and administratitionon acrc oss the counu try,y we can refl ece t huh mbblyy on the accommplishments ourr Meemmbers andn our Natioon haavve made over the lasa t yearr. WeW do soo witth prp ide annd certitudu e thata thee future remainins brb ightt for genneerattioi ns to como e.e

DalaleeR Rooood CliCl ntn HilHi l Wolf Clan Whhat we haave builtl togogetther fof r ouo r coommunniti y ovo err the past feww dececades hasa enaablb edd us tot remmaiin fi rmly foccussede ono ourr missioion – to prrovide the best eduucatitioonal andn careeere opporrtut nitiiess, annd cuc ltural enricchment and heheala tht caree serrvicess, thhaat allow our Peeople to liive theh irr livi ese to thhe fulllesst potennttiaal juust as tht e Creaeatot r innteenddedd.

ThTherre are maanyn exxcitinng enndeavvorors wew willl beb moving RayRa Hallbritter Keller George ChuCh ckk Fougnigng er forward wiw th in thhe comim ngg mono thhs,s andd years, ahhead.d Nation ThT e sus ccess off our enterprisses has put ouru Nata ioion in Reppresentatiativev coontrol of itss own deesstiinyy, whhici h mem ana s prp ovidinng Meembmbers wiw th more pprrogo ramsms andd serviicees tht at not only prpresservee our heritagage aand cuultlturure fof r fuf turer geneneratioi ns, but buili d ono an ece onommic fouundn attioion that will ene sure ouur futut ree succcesss. KimKi JaJ cobbs NtNatNaation Clerkeerrkk Bear Clan WeW ’r’ e eaeageg r to movve fof rwwaarrd ass a Peoe ple, beyyonnd ththisi paanddemmic, inintoo a new era thhat wiill be justt the beginnnin ngg off mana y brigghth thih nggs tto comme – unu too thehe sevventh geenerar tiionn.

N7N ki\\ wa, Onneie dada Indndian Naatit ono Counncil

Briiann Pattterersons PetP e Johnohn Oneida Indian Nation Annual Report 2020 4

Providing Resources for Members of all Generations

The guidelines stressed previous Taking Care of Elders policies and procedures, but also added new precautions to The Nation has maintained its ensure a healthy and safe learning commitment to providing Eldersders environment for the children. with as many resourcesurces aas possible during thehe panpandemic. One of those The staff says the parents have done resoresources is the daily lunch served a wonderful job of educatingg theirtheir by Elder’s Center staff , Charisse children about thee impoimportance of Gibson (Wolf Clan), Nancy Stratton sanitizingng andand washing hands. and Brenda Hicks. Safety from the Start “We are doing everything we can to Between 40 and 50 Nation he Nation’sn s EarEarly Learning keep the kids safe and healthy when Members, as well as other TCentCenter re-opened its doors they’re here, while also maintaining American Indians age 55+ in the on June 10, 2020 to families of a fun, collaborative environment,” local area, came to pick up their Members and employees. Adhering Tricia said. lunches daily at the Center. With to social distancing guidelines, curbside pick-up, Elders were able the center took all necessary Assistance for Families to maintain their social distancing precautions to ensure a healthy and and minimize any unnecessary happy learning environment. The Nation was also able to physical interaction. secure a new one-time benefi t for Tricia Narolis, manager of Members through a $1,000 debit The curbside pick-up option the Early Learning Center, card administered by FSA TPA to became available last April and assistant manager cover essential services and living when Charisse returned to TiT na Fox, put together expenses during the pandemic. assist in the delivery of a plan in The program gave Members the meals for Elders that preparation for opportunity to save money without live in the Village of the reopening. having to worry about critical day- the White Pines and to-day expenses. were unable to get out for meals. Oneida Indian Nation Annual Report 2020 5

Olivia Bigtree (Turtle Clan) is studying fi ne art at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore on a full scholarship. Her acceptance to the elite art school is the culmination of a lot of hard work and unique experiences from all over the country.

Last year, Olivia received a National Gold Medal and a Special Achievement Civic Expression Award from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

As Olivia wraps up her fi rst year Scholarship Program Offers in Baltimore, she is grateful for her experiences at Manlius Pebble Opportunities for Students Hill and for the Oneida Indian Nation’s dedication to educational College graduates, High School a few decades ago. These programs opportunities. Manlius Pebble Hill graduates, GED and Certifi cate are an investment in the future inspires students to think critically programs, honor rolls. These just as much as any growth and and strives to help them discover are the kinds of educational expansion of the enterprises. their true passions that will drive achievements a number of Nation them to be better people. Members have accomplished this Education will help ensure Nation year. Members will have the skills, “The art program has been a huge training and knowledge necessary contribution to my personal growth This has been a diffi cult year, to build on the success the Nation and educational career,” she said. indeed; one that has required these has achieved so far, and to protect “Without MPH or the art program, graduates to balance family, jobs and preserve what the Nation has I don’t believe that I would have and classes while dealing with the built unto the seventh generation. received so many regional and threat of the coronavirus. But all national recognitions over the past of them were determined to see two years.” it through and will soon reap the rewards made possible by their hard work and dedication. Certifi cates/degrees processed in 2020:

Education is the foundation on • 8 High School/GED which all of life’s accomplishments • 3 Vocational/Certifi cate Proograms are built. This is why Nation leadership has made educational • 2 Bachelor’s Degrees programming a priority for • 2 Master’s Degrees Members. The Nation’s scholarship and incentive program was one of students were enrolled in higher educationducati programs. the fi rst programs established when 44 its enterprises began to realize 76 students received incentive awards for high sustainable economic success just academic achievements. Oneida Indian Nation Annual Report 2020 6

Chelsea Jocko (Wolf Clan) illustrated The Robin Legend, her fi rst offi cial publication. Now she’s busy working on illustrating and translating three other stories for the department.

“I’ve been drawing since as long as I can remember,” Chelsea said. “I thought I had a talent for it, and now it’s been fun training with Photoshop to digitize them.”

Chelsea is translating the Haudenosaunee legends “Thunder Boy” and “Spring Defeats Winter” Children’s Books Preserve Language, while illustrating “How the Chipmunk Got Its Stripes.” There’s Teach Valuable Life Lessons no shortage of work to be done, but she’s tackling it all head on. In an unprecedented year without designer working in the Nation’s fi eld trips to the Shako:wi Cultural communications department. The “Once I came back from maternity Center, Nation leadership and the story is also recorded in Oneida leave I really had to get my mind in Nation’s Language Department by Language Instructor Mary Blau gear,” she said. “I don’t like to leave looked for new ways to expand (Turtle Clan) and in English by things incomplete so I have a lot of the outreach of Oneida culture to Nation Member Brooke Thomas unfi nished business.” younger generations. The release (Wolf Clan), and are now available of two new language preservation on the Nation’s YouTube channel Chelsea went out on maternity books depicting one version of and website. leave for four weeks to care for her popular Haudenosaunee legends now two-month-old son, Trevin introduces Oneida culture in a fun These fi rst two books were (Wolf Clan). It’s been quite a and inviting way. distributed to local public libraries transition she said, but she’s loving and elementary schools so students every minute. Many months in the making, The would have easy access and Robin Legend, the second book teachers could introduce them During the pandemic shutdown, in a series collaboration between into their lesson plans – extending Chelsea also worked virtually for the Language Department and Oneida culture to the entire a few hours a day with an Oneida Madison-Oneida BOCES, is community. language group led by Delphine illustrated by Nation Member Antone. She said it’s been a great Chelsea Jocko (Wolf Clan). Her Several more titles are in the experience – even if the group jokes illustrations depict the story of works and will be released at later about her Mohawk accents coming how the Robin got its signature red dates. These books will ensure the out every now and then. chest. continued survival and preservation of Oneida heritage, language and “It’s been enjoyable being in those The fi rst book in the series, The culture. classes,” Chelsea said. “You have Legend of How the Bear Lost to keep working at it, which I love His Tail, is illustrated by William doing.” Burns (Lakota Sioux), a graphic Oneida Indian Nation Annual Report 2020 7

Retaining Our Oneida Heritage Native Americans’ contributions to the formation of the United States of America are often minimized, and frequently omitted, from school textbooks. Having a month dedicated to learning about the current and historical contributions of not only the Oneida People, but all Native people, gives a clearer, truer picture of our collective history – and an opportunity to teach new generations of Americans about Native heritage and customs. aspects of Oneida culture, and special narration from Nation Since many local students were Haudenosaunee culture as a whole. Representative Ray Halbritter not able to take fi eld trips to the A new video premiered each and the center’s manager, Ron Shako:wi Cultural Center this week in November culminating Patterson (Wolf Clan). school year, the Nation decided in a recitation of the Oneida to bring parts of the center to Thanksgiving Address. The other “These videos enable our People them with a four-part video series videos covered topics from the to tell a portion of our own story, during Native American Heritage Oneidas’ role as fi rst allies to which is often minimized in Month. The innovative series, now the United States to traditional today’s mainstream educational available on the Nation’s YouTube Oneida artistry, social dance and system,” said Ron. “Bringing the channel, introduced viewers to the storytelling. The fi rst featured Cultural Center and Oneida culture Cultural Center and highlighted an in-depth virtual tour of the directly to students in our area is several Nation Members explaining Shako:wi Cultural Center with one small way to keep that line of communication open, even in this unprecedented year.” Creation Story Comes to Life Other Nation Members appearing in the videos include Mary Blau Early last year the Nation installed a set of three large (Turtle Clan), Levi Confer (Turtle murals by artist William Ashby McCloy, which depict Clan), Wava Homer (Turtle Clan), a version of the Oneida Creation Story, in the Ray Elm Brooke Thomas (Wolf Clan) and Children and Elders Center atrium. The Nation acquired Rose Tompkins (Wolf Clan). Rose, the murals in 2017 and commissioned conservation work an Oneida Elder, showcases her and framing with West Lake Conservators in Skaneateles. beadwork and sewing abilities – explaining her creative process and A display sign has been placed below the murals with how she goes about certain projects. more details about the artist and his interpretation of the Levi explains how he picked up Creation Story. traditional singing and dancing – and the signifi cance of his regalia, Visitors will instantly recognize Sky Woman’s descent onto which was crafted by Oneida Elder Turtle Island in the center panel, the battle between the Mary Blau. Good and Evil Spirits in the right panel, and the creation of Earth and restoration of land from fl ood waters in the left. Oneida Indian Nation Annual Report 2020 8

Ancestors Return Home

During the summer of 2020, the Nation and Colgate University

(Photo courtesy o announced the return of ancestral remains of at least six individuals. Bone fragments were found within the collection of the f the National Parks Service) University’s Longyear Museum of Anthropology, where they had been held after being recovered from archaeological sites decades ago.

“We are grateful for the return of these remains, and truly appreciate Film Featuring The short fi lm depicts how several Colgate University for coming Oneida Reenactors Oneida warriors aided a grossly forward with this discovery so outnumbered battalion of colonial that our ancestors may receive Makes Debut scouts at the Battle of Barren Hill, a proper re-internment at our a critical victory that stopped the burial grounds,” said Nation Over the past two years, the Nation impending push of British forces. Representative Ray Halbritter. has been working in partnership with the National Park Service If not for the Oneida and American on a short fi lm project for the scouts bravely engaging the British, Valley Forge National History nearly a fi fth of the American army Park. Determined to Persevere: could have been lost. Many believe The Valley Forge Encampment, the entire course of the war would is a brand new orientation fi lm for have been diff erent if this trap had the Park that tells the story of the been evaded by the British army. winter of 1777-1778 where Gen. George Washington’s Continental Oneida woman Polly Cooper, Army was stationed. Released on depicted by Sheri, was also a key The remains were originally YouTube, the fi lm features a group fi gure in the American Revolution, recovered by avocational of Oneida reenactors who portrayed helping to transport and cook archaeologists working with the several signifi cant fi gures as part bushels of corn for the famished New York State Archaeological of the Oneida involvement in the soldiers camped at Valley Forge and Association – Chenango Chapter, at encampment. boosting morale. various sites throughout ancestral Oneida homelands sometime Dakota Bluewolf (Wolf Clan), Seb The National Park Service during the twentieth century. Schenandoah (Wolf Clan) and commissioned the new video to Dean Lyons (Turtle Clan), along be showcased at Valley Forge’s The Nation and Colgate University with Oneida Elder Sheri Beglen new Welcome Center, which was have worked cooperatively for (Wolf Clan), were part of a group delayed due to the pandemic. years in recognizing and preserving of Haudenosaunee reenactors that the Oneida ties to our ancestral traveled to Valley Forge in 2019 for homelands. the fi lming. Oneida Indian Nation Annual Report 2020 9

uring a challenging year dominated by the social Dand economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, Oneida Nation Enterprises provided stability and Oneida Nation Enterprises revenue for the Central New York region. Provides Stability for The revenue generated by the Nation’s enterprises not only helps provide benefi ts and services for its Members, Members, Community but much-needed job and economic support for the During Challenging Year community as well – an impact made clear early on during the pandemic.

Despite the economic slowdown, the Nation spent more than $75 million with vendors within the 3-county area of Oneida, Madison and Onondaga – an increase of $11 million over 2019 spending.

The Nation continues to reinvest 100 percent of its gaming revenues into the community - helping to support the region during these unprecedented times. Oneida Indian Nation Annual Report 2020 10

Strong Protocols Developed for the Safety of All

After temporarily closing in March 2020, and following months of extensive planning and coordination with neighboring municipalities, the Oneida Indian Nation’s gaming properties began a phased reopening in June.

Under the comprehensive Health and Safety reopening plan Safer Together, the Nation implemented Deb Ninham (Turtle Clan) SāvOn employee several new safety protocols, enhanced cleaning policies and precautionary measures to help Local Business and sourced nearly 20,000 face keep Oneida Members, employees, Partners Support coverings for the Nation. guests and the community safe. Nation’s Reopening “We are grateful for the Oneida The health and safety plan, Indian Nation’s partnership and rigorously monitored and There are hundreds of other commitment to supporting so many reevaluated to adapt to the businesses in Central New York businesses right here in Upstate changing circumstances, was — and their employees — that New York.” developed with a regional approach rely on the successful operation of and in direct consultation with Oneida Nation Enterprises. That is Other local companies that were neighboring County Offi cials and why the reopening of the Nation’s paramount to the Nation safely public health experts. The plan properties and grand opening of reopening its properties included: also incorporated input from new venues was vital to the entire discussions with the National community in 2020. • Victory Sign of Canastota, Indian Gaming Commission who provided printing of and the New York State Gaming Prior to the reopening, the health and safety protocol Commission. Nation worked with several local signs to saturate all of the businesses to provide a range of Nation’s properties and products and services to support offi ce spaces; and the Safer Together plan. • Northland Communications “The Oneida Indian Nation of Utica, who developed made a signifi cant investment by new technological solutions providing every employee with and infrastructure imperative multiple face coverings – and as to communicating important one of the largest employers in our safety updates and region, it’s evident the safety of protocols with employees their employees is important,” said and guests.

Sadie Schenandoah-Stanford (Wolf Clan) Nick Goodell, of The Image Press, SāvOn employee a Cicero company that developed Oneida Indian Nation Annual Report 2020 11

David Ernenwein Before making his way to Turning (Turtle Clan) knows education Stone Resort Casino, David enlisted and service have been two vital in the U.S. Air Force. He was put on pillars for his success. Through reserves right before the beginning his experiences serving in the of the Gulf War. He lived in Florida U.S. Air Force and utilizing the for three years when he left the Oneida Indian Nation’s scholarship service in 1990 and eventually program to continue his studies transferred to the State University while working full-time, David of New York at Buff alo in January brings a unique perspective to his of 1993. role as Operations Manager at the YBR Casino & Sports Book. David’s father encouraged him to return home because the Oneida “I worked at Turning Stone when Indian Nation was getting ready to we fi rst opened the doors in 1993,” open Turning Stone. So he heeded David said. “I started in table games his advice and hasn’t looked back, and worked my way up, which has while also returning to complete his been a great experience.” education as full-time employee.

Nation’s Vendor Oneida Indian Nation FY 20 Vendor Spending Spending Provides 3-County Regional Spending Boost to Region $75,487,143$ With gaming and hospitality wiw th 917 vendors businesses, convenience store and retail operations, marinas and Oneida County other recreation properties, and technology services, Oneida Nation $13,263,299$ - with 333 vendors Enterprises relies on thousands of vendors, ranging from food and Madison County beverage providers to cleaning, $3,150,247$ - with 165 vendors health and beauty products.

In 2020, the Oneida Indian Nation Onondaga County paid more than $166 million to $59,073,597$5 - with 419 vendors more than 1,400 vendors in New York State, which includes more than $75 million to vendors in Total vendor spendingpg in NYS Oneida, Madison and Onondaga counties. $166,810,928 - with 1,431 vendors

The Nation also paid more than Total vendor spending in FY 2020 was $140 million to employees. $278,594,930 with 2,869 vendors, including $41,268,681 in capital project spending Oneida Indian Nation Annual Report 2020 12

Grand Opening Event Benefi ts Local Initiatives

The Oneida Indian Nation celebrated the completion of a major multi-million dollar expansion at the YBR Casino & Sports Book at the beginning of 2020.

The offi cial grand opening event featured a fundraiser for The Good Life CNY and Generation Next, two CenterState CEO initiatives that directly align with the Nation’s commitment to promoting Central New York as a vibrant and diverse place to live, work, visit and play.

Project Brings Jobs, Tourism to Sylvan Beach Area

In July, the Nation celebrated the grand opening of The Lake House, a multi-million dollar redevelopment project in the Oneida Lake resort community that created 150 constructions jobs and more than 60 permanent jobs.

The Oneida Indian Nation’s investment in the Sylvan Beach project continues its legacy of partnerships with, and investments in, local communities.

Investments in Safety for Members, Guests

In December, the Nation completed an upgrade of the air fi ltration systems at all 16 SāvOn and Maple Leaf Market stores. The new state-of-the- art air fi ltration systems remove 99.4% of all viruses and bacteria from the air after just 30 minutes of being activated.

The new air purifi ers units were sourced from Healthway Products, a local Central New York company. Oneida Indian Nation Annual Report 2020 13

Members have fi rst access to jobs with the Nation’s Enterprises, and many have worked for the Nation since before Turning Stone Resort Casino was built. In recent years, some have returned home from working in other areas, too.

Karen Brill (Wolf Clan) is a Supervisor for Player Services at Turning Stone. The Rewards Desk creates new accounts and prints rewards cards as well as taking care of many other issues that arise throughout the day. She’s still a relative newcomer, having only served in the role for just shy of two years, but it’s been a great Providing Critical from team leaders currently hiring experience, she says. in areas such as hotel, gaming, food Jobs, Opportunities and beverage and more. “When I came back up to New York to be closer to my mom and sisters, With hundreds of hospitality “Time and again, the I needed a job,” Karen recalls. “I positions available within its Oneida Indian Nation award-wining enterprises, the applied for anything that sounded reaffi rms its unwavering Oneida Indian Nation partnered interesting and they were looking commitment to make our for a supervisor at the Rewards with Oneida County to launch a region among the most elite desk.” Her mother is Oneida Elder, recruitment campaign to support destinations in the country, Ramona Beglen (Wolf Clan). the region’s recovery from the impacts of the pandemic and and this investment to get Karen grew up in West Virginia and growth in the year ahead. The many of our residents back has been a Licensed Land Surveyor “New Year, New Career” campaign, to work, and also attract new funded entirely by the Nation, for over 30 years. Her fi rst true people to our county is just supplements the Nation’s ongoing passion was land preservation and the latest example.” sustainable land development, so hiring eff orts in Upstate New York as well as targets laid-off hospitality - Oneida County Executive Karen hopes she can fi nd a role Anthony Picente Jr. for that in the future. She’s proud workers in other areas of the country. to see how the Nation has been Oneida County, through its an excellent stewar d for t he ir department of workforce Initial eff orts of the campaign laandnds whhile also keee ping land development, is working with the resulted in several dozen new prpresesere vavatiiono and connservrvation in Nation to assist locally based job recruits joining the Nation team mimindd – soommetthih ngn thah t remam ins candidates — and those looking to from areas such as Orlando, atat thehe heaeartr of alall of the Natioi n’n s relocate to Oneida County — fi nd Florida, where layoff s have been eennterpr riisese opeerar titionss. the resources necessary to become in the thousands. In addition, the employed, including daycare Nation held a virtual “New Year, needs and local employment New Career” recruitment event on opportunities for traveling family Facebook Live to beggin the year, members. lel tting job seekers hear directly Oneida Indian Nation Annual Report 2020 14

Awards and Accolades 2020

Year after year, Oneida Nation Enterprises strives to provide the best in service and hospitality to the millions of guests who visit its properties. The awards and honors its operations receive set them apart as an industry leader in the region, and highlight the dedication of their employees.

In 2020, even with the disruption of the pandemic, Oneida Nation Enterprises shined with continued superior amenities and guest service. Turning Stone Resort Recognitions for Turning Stone in 2020 also included: Casino, its premiere destination resort, was once again named • Three Best in Golf Awards from Northeast Golf Magazine: Best Travel Resorts & Destinations, Best Public Golf Courses for #1 Best Overall Atunyote and Shenendoah and PGA Teaching Professional Gaming Resort Marty Nowicki was named among Best Instructors in New York. by Casino Player Golfweek named all three 18-hole course among the top in the Magazine in its country. 2020 list of “Best of Gaming • Forbes Travel Guide awarded the resort with four of its Four Awards.” Star awards. TS Steakhouse is the newest venue at the resort to earn the prestigious award, joining Wildfl owers, The Lodge and Turning Stone also was recognized Ska:na: Spa. with a record high of 27 total industry awards from the magazine. • Spas of America named Ska:na: as the No. 1 spa in New York State and among the tops spas in all of North America. The magazine’s annual Best of Gaming award-winners are • AAA awarded Turning Stone three Four Diamond Awards, and hand-selected by casino visitors TS Steakhouse, Wildfl owers and Pino Bianco received Wine themselves. In addition to being Spectator’s highly-respected Awards of Excellence. named the #1 Best Overall Gaming Resort in New York for the fi fth straight year, Turning Stone was Oneida Nation Enterprises also was recognized as a ‘2020 Economic recognized across the board for Champion’ by CenterState CEO, the region’s leading economic its outstanding games, luxury development organization. As the largest employer in the Mohawk accommodations, exciting sports Valley area and a diverse organization with various brands in book, exceptional golf, and expert hospitality, gaming, retail industries and more, the Oneida Indian staff , earning 17 fi rst-place awards. Nation’s success is tied directly to the success of the region. This recognition highlights the Nation’s ability to work with partners for the benefi t of the entire Central New York community. Oneida Indian Nation Annual Report 2020 15

he Oneida Indian Nation’s support for the US Tmilitary remains as steadfast now as during the days Nation Remains of the Revolutionary War, when the Oneidas became known as America’s fi rst allies. Having contributed Committed to Community, in solidarity in every confl ict since, the Nation seeks Supporting Neighbors to honor veterans and current members of the armed services with initiatives such as job recruitment outreach and partnerships with veteran organizations.

Continuing this legacy, the Nation hosted the inaugural Desmond Doss Memorial Golf Tournament in September at the Atunyote Golf Club. Organized by the Desmond Doss Foundation, and working in partnership with local veterans support organization, Clear Path for Veterans, and PGA Hope, the golf tournament raised funds for the Foundation as well as honored the memories of Desmond Doss and other service members who have put their lives on the line in defense of the United States. The Foundation invited local veterans to participate.

“We are proud to partner with the Oneida Indian Nation on our inaugural event,” said Gabe Videla, Chairman, Desmond Doss Foundation. “We hope to use this event as a way to support and express our commitment to our veterans, and to continue promoting the values embodied by Desmond Doss.” Oneida Indian Nation Annual Report 2020 16

Shared History as Allies Recognized

Early in 2020, the Nation was honored by the Madison County War Veterans Committee for its contributions to the Madison County War Veterans Memorial. The Nation had previously donated funds to help build a permanent monument dedicated to those lost in the War on Terror from Madison County: Lance Corporal Jeremy S. Lasher, United States Marine Corp; and Sergeant Edward H. Bolen, ONE Partnerships Help Raise Funds for U.S. Army. The monument now Local Charities stands outside the Madison County Courthouse. Throughout the month of October, the Oneida Indian Nation once again partnered with the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley to help raise funds during “Monuments such as these their Purple Ribbon Campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. are reminders of our collective Donations totaling $8,242.00 were collected from guests of the Nation’s commitment in service to this SāvOn and Maple Leaf Market convenience stores, and benefi t both the great country,” said Oneida Indian YWCA Mohawk Valley and Help Restore Hope – Liberty Resources of Nation Representative and Oneida Madison County. Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. “Since the founding • The Nation’s retail stores also contributed to the fundraising for of the United States, the Oneida the Muscular Dystrophy Association, collecting $8,444.00 during Indian Nation has been an ally to their summer campaign; and helped raise $11,832.00 for the America’s military forces. As the Make-A-Wish Central New York Stars for Wishes campaign. country’s First Allies, we continue to support the values of freedom • Employees of Oneida Nation Enterprises helped brighten the and liberty, which is why we were holidays for 36 families with more than 100 children through the honored to support this important annual Adopt-a-Family program and contributed more than eff ort.” 1,700 pounds of food to the CNY Food Bank, more than three times the amount of the average donations in previous years.

PICTURED: Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO; Brian Patterson, Oneida Indian Nation Bear Clan Council Member; and Members from the Madison County War Veterans Committee. The Guswenta Two Row Wampum Belt: Symbol of Sovereignty

This belt symbolizes the agreement and conditions under which the Haudenosaunee welcomed the newcomers to this land. “You say that you are our father and I am your son.” We say, ‘We will not be like Father and Son, but like Brothers’.” This wampum belt confi rms our words. These two rowsws willwill symbolizesymb two paths or two vessels, travelingg downdown thethe same river together.togethe One, a birch bark cacanoe,noe, wwillill be for the Indian People, their laws,laws theirr customscustoms and their ways. We shall each travel the river together,togeth side by side, but in our own boat. Neither of us will make compulsory laws or interfere in the internal aff airs of the other. Neither of us will try to steer the other’s vessel.

From a 1614 agreement between the Haudenosaunee and representatives of the Dutch government, declaring peaceful coexistence The agreement has been kept by the Haudenosaunee to this date.

Replica two-row wampum belt