Oren Lyons-1: Racism, Native American Human Rights and the UN

Racism, Native American Human Rights and the UN was a presentation by Oren Lyons . It was held on September 11, 2006 as part of the year-long educational series Onondaga Land Rights & Our Common Future. The series was coordinated by Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation in collaboration with Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. It was co-sponsored by the Inter-Religious Council and the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation.
Oren Lyons is a Faithkeeper of the Onondaga Nation Turtle clan and has been a clear, persistent and respected voice for the Onondaga, the Haudenosaunee and for Indigenous people throughout the world. He has carried the message of an environmental crisis facing indigenous ways of life. He has been present at many of the most significant events for Indigenous people over the last four decades. His life story spans many experiences including lacrosse (All American Goalie for the SU Lacrosse Team), hunting, fishing, painting, public speaking, activism, writing and serving as a traditional leader. His careers include a tour of duty in the army and working as a commercial artist, a professor and an ambassador to the United Nations for the Haudenosaunee. In 1977, Oren was instrumental in organizing 130 Native North and South American leaders to address the United Nations. By 1982, Oren’s continued work helped establish the UN’s Working Group on Indigenous Populations. In May 2005, Oren spoke as part of a UN panel addressing the “Doctrine of Discovery,” the cornerstone for the colonization of the Americas and destruction of the Native American people. Oren spoke directly to a representative of the Vatican asking that these racist and unjust documents be rescinded. Oren has been involved in many national and international organizations and campaigns. He is co-founder of the Traditional Circle of Indian Elders and Youth. Oren retired as a Distinguished Professor of American Studies at SUNY Buffalo.