OFFICIALS IN UPSTATE NEW YORK HAVE SAID THEY WANT TO RETURN LAKESHORE LAND TO THE ONONDAGA NATION. BUT AFTER MANY YEARS, THE EFFORT IS STALLED.

Soundbite (English) Betty Hill, Onondaga Nation:

“There's so many reasons why it's important for the Onondaga nation to acquire land on Onondaga Lake. First, it's where our Peacemaker came well over a thousand years ago to bring the message of peace, bringing our five warring nations together.”

THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE SAID CONDITIONS MUST BE MET FOR A LAND TRANSFER. THE ONONDAGA NATION MUST AGREE NOT TO SUE THE COUNTY OVER THE LAKE’S CLEANUP.

Soundbite (English) Ryan McMahon, Onondaga County Executive:

“We're not going to do a deal with anybody, anybody, if there's an opportunity for them to turn around and sue us.”

COUNTY OFFICIALS ALSO WANT TAXES PAID ON LAND PREVIOUSLY REACQUIRED BY THE ONONDAGA NATION

Soundbite (English) Ryan McMahon, Onondaga County Executive: “If they can be addressed, then I think we can get to the table, and I think we can hunker out a deal.”

BUT THE ONONDAGAS ARGUE THEY DON’T OWE TAXES ON THOSE ANCESTRAL LANDS.

Soundbite (English) Betty Hill, Onondaga Nation:

“They keep coming up with issues to prevent our full participation at the lake. And to prevent us from gaining a piece of the lake back.”

THAT LEAVES THE ROAD TO A DEAL UNCLEAR.

Soundbite (English) Betty Hill, Onondaga Nation:

“We’re not going anywhere. We’re not going to stop in this quest to gain a piece of this back for our people and our confederacy.”