SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)— The United States gained its independence from Britain 250 years ago. While some Americans celebrate the nation’s birthday, others grapple with the concept.
The celebration is being called America250, and promotions have been seen everywhere, from Disney and Coca-Cola to Amazon and the NBA. It gives people like Syracuse resident John Wood a sense of pride.
“We got some tough times, right? But it’s still a pretty good place to be here, right? As you look around again at the rest of the world, we’re still doing pretty good,” said Wood.
In 1776, the city of Syracuse in central New York had yet to be built. The land was inhabited by the Haudenosaunee people of the Onondaga Nation. Now they reside in a reservation just south of Syracuse.
But, as the country celebrates this milestone, some people, including Onondaga Nation member Neal Powless don’t feel the same desire to celebrate, as they remember all that has happened and been lost for the country to get where it is today.
“It’s an interesting prospect to think about celebrating 250 years when it comes off the heels of the Sullivan-Clinton campaign,” said Powless.
The Sullivan-Clinton campaign was a 1779 military operation ordered by George Washington that systematically destroyed dozens of Haudenosaunee villages, including villages of the Onondaga people.
Powless says that while he may not participate in the celebration, he sees no problem with others doing so; he just wants people to be open to having conversations about Indigenous people in this county.
Despite the complicated history, Powless says he does not dwell in bitterness. Instead, he holds onto a belief that transcends any single anniversary or political struggle.
“Creator brought all of our brothers and sisters here for a reason. It’s up to all of us to figure out why,” he said.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Onondaga Nation reflects a continuity of culture and purpose that extends beyond 1776.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: What America’s 250th anniversary means to the Onondaga Nation
Jahi Guise: 250 years ago, the United States declared its independence. Now, as the country marks that milestone, Americans are reflecting on what it means. The history fills Americans like John Wood with pride, but he also knows the story is more complicated.
John Wood: “Gosh, 250 years. Long time. Right. Compared to the rest of the world, though. And other countries. It’s just kind of a sliver of time.”
Guise: For the Onondaga Nation, whose people lived here long before 1776, that milestone lands differently.
Neal Powless: “It’s an interesting prospect to think about celebrating 250 years when it comes off the heels of the Sullivan-Clinton campaign.”
Guise: Powless says sometimes it causes frustration and resentment when children learn about the violent past their ancestors experienced. So they teach them how to redirect that energy into something positive.
Powless: “Transition and shift that thinking, that feeling, that emotion to be more in alignment with our Gahnegohio, or our good mind, or our thoughtfulness and our mindfulness, and how to express ourselves within a peaceful process.”
Guise: As the country celebrates 250 years, Powless holds onto one message.
Powless: “Creator bought all of our brothers and sisters here for a reason. It’s up to all of us to figure out why.”