The Onondaga Nation of New York is asking the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for help with its land claim.

Tribal leaders and members will file a petition in Washington, D.C., tomorrow. They also plan to demonstrate in front of the White House with a wampum belt that represents a treaty in which the U.S. promised to respect the Onondaga Nation's land.

"This is our continuing battle looking for justice," Sid Hill, the tribe's spiritual leader, told The Syracuse Post-Standard. "Where do we get that justice for the taking of our lands, for the forced assimilation, for the state of our nations now."

The tribe laid claim to more than 4,000 square miles, including the entire city of Syracuse. The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the case, citing the "disruptive nature" to non-Indians and local governments, a doctrine the tribe labeled as "racist" and "cowardly."

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case in October.

Get the Story:
Native Americans say US violated human rights (AP 4/14)
Onondaga Nation to accuse U.S. of human rights violation in international forum (The Syracuse Post-Standard 4/14)

2nd Circuit Decision:
Onondaga Nation v. New York (October 19, 2012)

District Court Decision:
Onondaga Nation v. New York (September 22, 2010)

Related Stories:
Aura Bogado: Onondaga Nation fights to reclaim stolen land (11/12)
Onondaga Nation vows to push land claim in international arena (10/16)
Supreme Court declines to take up Onondaga Nation land claim (10/15)
Supreme Court delays action on Onondaga Nation land claim (10/7)
2nd Circuit won't reinstate Onondaga Nation land claim lawsuit (10/19)