Oneidas lived in these conditions despite special treaties with the United States acknowledging the debt owed to the Oneida People because of the assistance they provided as the colonists' first allies in the Revolutionary War. In fact, without the aid of the Oneidas, the United States might never have existed. Oneida warriors fought side-by-side with the colonists in many battles throughout the war. Some might even say that the Oneidas saved George Washington's starving army at Valley Forge when the Oneida People carried over 600 bushels of corn on their backs for 300 'miles in mid-winter to feed the soldiers. In gratitude for the loyalty, courage and suffering of the Oneida People during the Revolutionary War, the United States government signed the Treaty of Canandaigua in 1794. This treaty affirmed the sovereign right of the Oneida Nation to govern its lands and affairs in perpetuity.

Despite the depredations, discrimination and hopelessness of the past 200 years, the Oneida Nation survived. Today, through ingenuity, tenacity and hard work, the Oneida People have created a wealth of new opportunities and hope for themselves and for the Central New York region. In the last ten years, the Nation has grown into the area's largest private employer, providing jobs for over 5,000 people.

Economic Initiatives
The Oneida Indian Nation operates a variety of businesses to fund its government programs. These enterprises include:

• Turning Stone Casino Resort, featuring some of the most exciting gaming in the Northeast, a 285-room luxury hotel, championship golf complex and academy, first-class entertainment, specialty retail shops and gourmet dining.
• The Inn at Turning Stone, a moderately priced 63-room motel.
• The Villages at Turning Stone RV Park and Peaceful Pines Campground.
• Four Directions Media Inc., publisher of Indian Country Today, the premier national newspaper focusing on Native American issues.
• Four Directions Entertainment, a Nation partnership with two Los Angeles-based American Indian producers that includes a film, television and new media company.
• Oneida Textile Designs, with a broad range of unique designs for sportswear and accessories.
• The SavOn chain of gas stations and convenience stores.
• Standing Stone Gaming, which manufactures, markets and distributes the Oneida Nation’s patented cashless gaming operating system.

Economic Impact
These enterprises and the Nation’s government programs employ about 4,000 people (most of them non-Native), making the Oneida Nation the largest employer in Madison and Oneida counties and one of the top employers in the 16 counties comprising Central New York.

The Nation’s business activities have had a marked effect on the region’s economy. The Nation’s annual payroll of $85 million in wages (not including benefits) ripples throughout Central New York as employees pump their salaries back into the local economy, buying goods and services from local businesses and paying a variety of taxes.

Nation spending also bolsters the area economy. In 2003, the Nation spent more than $200 million to purchase goods and services from more than 4,000 outside vendors. About half of those vendors are located in New York State.

The Nation’s capital and construction spending also invigorates the economy. In 2003, the Nation spent about $100 million on construction as part of its massive two-year, $308 million expansion of Turning Stone.

Government Programs and Services
Proceeds from the Nation’s enterprises are funneled into essential services for Oneida Members. The success of these enterprises also allows the Nation’s government to reduce its reliance on outside funding. In 1999, the Oneida Nation became the first Indian government in the country to return federal funding to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The Nation’s services to Members include:

• A comprehensive health clinic, open to all Native Americans in a six-county area.
• Education scholarships and tuition assistance programs for everything from preparatory schools to post-doctoral work.
• A congregate meals and enrichment program for Nation Elders.
• An early childhood learning center.
• A multi-faceted recreation and youth development program.
• Continuing cultural education initiatives, including Oneida language and dance classes.
• The Village of the White Pines, a residential community providing affordable housing for Members.
• The Ray Elm Children and Elders Center, centerpiece of the Village of the White Pines and home to a variety of programs targeted for these key populations.
• Infrastructure improvements, including road repairs, sewer and water lines and beautification programs.
• Through a homeownership program, Key Bank makes available mortgages for home ownership to Members. The Nation in turn guarantees the Members’ mortgage to the bank.
• Nation Members who build or buy an existing home on Nation-owned land receive a $50,000 contribution from the Nation toward the purchase price.

The mission of the Oneida People is to restore their Nation to the strength and stability it enjoyed before Europeans landed on the shores of this country. The Oneida Nation is well on its way to achieving this goal.