Onondaga Nation

People of the Hills

firehouse

INHABITAT – Spotlight on Tsha’ thoñswatha

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by Lucy Wang Environmentally friendly materials, community-focused design and renewable energy combine in Tsha’ thoñswatha’, the Onondaga Nation’s new fire station. Designed by Syracuse-based Ashley McGraw Architects in close collaboration with the Nation community, the new building replaced an old, corroded firehouse and added a community hall in Onondaga County, New York. … [Read more...] about INHABITAT – Spotlight on Tsha’ thoñswatha

Onondaga Nation Volunteer Fire Department celebrates Anniversary

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The 20th Anniversary Dinner for the Onondaga Nation Volunteer Fire Department (ONVFD) was held recently on September 22nd, 2018 at Tsha’ Thoñswatha’s dining hall. The Onondaga Nation has had a long history with having an all native fire department that has been operating independently.  The fire department began in the 1950s and ran continuously until 1983. “There was … [Read more...] about Onondaga Nation Volunteer Fire Department celebrates Anniversary

TSHA’ THON’SWATHA’: The journey to a new Firehouse

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World War II just ended.  The men have returned from overseas back to the Nation.  From their experiences during the war, they expressed to our community the need for a fire department. “We started fundraising right away,” said Sam Babcock, the Nation’s first fire chief who is 85 years young.  “We held 50/50 drawings, turkey shoots, and raffles. It was a real community … [Read more...] about TSHA’ THON’SWATHA’: The journey to a new Firehouse