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Oneida Nation reassures landowners APRIl 27, 2000 Although the Oneida Nation did not make a settlement announcement, they attempted to assure private landowners who fear being named as defendants in a lawsuit along with the state of New York.

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Oneida Nation spokesperson Ray Halbritter made the announcement to the media Wednesday. The Oneida Nation filed two documents in US District Court, hoping to move forward into the next round of litigation without forcing the issue of the 20,000 individual property owners who live in Madison and Oneida counties. Ever since the Department of Justice sided with the Oneida in 1998 and asked that the landowners be named in a lawsuit, tensions have flared in the region. Anti-Oneida groups have proposed boycotts of the tribes' businesses. Halbritter himself has been the focus of criticism, both within the region and within the tribe. Halbritter said the landowners would not be added to the lawsuit if the tribe is able to receive full restitution from the state. He also said there would be no issue of rent or eviction. The announcement, however, hinges on the other parties in the dispute. The two counties must agree and sign the two documents. The Oneida of Wisconsin and Canada must also sign. The Oneida and the State are due back in District Court today before Judge Neal P. McCurn in Syracuse. Get the Story: Oneida Nation v New York State: Round 2 (Tribal Law 4/26) Quakers reach out in New York (Tribal Law 4/26) Oneida Nation v New York State (Tribal Law 04/05) Relevant Links: Land Claims Forum at Syracuse Online.