Thursday, August 27, the Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs, Clanmothers, and Faithkeepers met with LaFayette School District representatives regarding school opening in the fall. After a very productive meeting, the Council has decided that the Onondaga Nation School (ONS) will remain closed for the first ten weeks of school and that all students and staff will participate in virtual instruction. After this time period, both parties have agreed to meet again about the re-opening of ONS.
The Council is very concerned about the impact COVID-19 could have on the Onondaga Nation community. Many students live in homes with extended families who are in a higher risk category for COVID-19. The Nation also expressed the stress opening up the school may place on the already underfunded Onondaga Nation Health Center.
The Onondaga Nation applauds the LaFayette Central School District for working with the Onondaga Nation Council in the attempts to keep the community safe.