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"The
Oneida Indian Nation's involvement in this truly unique experience
underscores the importance of a friendship we forged in the
early years of our country's revolutionary birth. It shows
that cooperation and solidarity across ethnic, cultural and
class divides can bear fruit for generations to come," Ray
Halbritter, Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises
CEO.
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The
Oneida Indian Nation forged a great friendship with the Marquis
de Lafayette, whom the Oneida called "Kayewla" or "Great Warrior,"
back in 1778. This relationship, and the role the Oneida Nation
had as America's First Allies, comes to light this summer
as Lafayette's Hermione Voyage 2015, an authentically reconstructed
tall ship which serves as a history exhibit, sets sail.
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Lafayette's
Hermione Voyage 2015, an authentically reconstructed tall
ship which serves as a history exhibit, sets sail this summer.
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The Oneida Indian Nation forged a great friendship with the Marquis
de Lafayette, whom the Oneida called "Kayewla" or "Great Warrior,"
back in 1778. This relationship, and the role the Oneida Nation had
as America's First Allies, comes to light this summer as Lafayette's
Hermione Voyage 2015, an authentically reconstructed tall ship which
serves as a history exhibit, sets sail.
Thursday the vessel reached Philadelphia as part of the Tall
Ships Celebration. Several Oneida were on hand to welcome the unique
exhibit.
"The Oneida Indian Nation's involvement in this truly unique
experience underscores the importance of a friendship we forged
in the early years of our country's revolutionary birth. It shows
that cooperation and solidarity across ethnic, cultural and class
divides can bear fruit for generations to come," Ray Halbritter,
Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO, said during
opening remarks.
"The Oneida Nation has a deeply intertwined history with America's
earliest settlers as this country's first ally," he continued. "We
are very grateful to events and experiences like this which introduce
a whole new generation to our role in the American Revolution and
underscore the resilience displayed by our people and by America's
founding fathers."
In March 1778 the Oneida met with Lafayette at a conference
in Johnstown, NY. The newly appointed commander of the American
Army's Northern Department visited to organize an invasion force
to Canada, which never happened.
Instead, at George Washington's request, Lafayette asked Oneidas
if they could send a large party of warriors to Valley Forge to
help with scouting work, and to gather intelligence about British
forces occupying the city.
Approximately 50 Oneida warriors along with some Tuscaroras
arrived at Valley Forge on May 15, 1778, including Han Yerry, Thomas
Sinavis, Henry Cornelius, Blatcop, and a son of Skenandoah named
Daniel. It also included the only woman to join the group, Polly
Cooper.
Once in camp the Oneidas met George Washington and then were assigned
to reconnaissance under the command of Lafayette.
Lafayette led 2,200 troops out of Valley Forge with Oneida scouts
at the fore. The troop crossed the Schuylkill River and camped a
few miles north of Philadelphia at Barren Hill in which the British
attacked on several fronts. (See Skirmish at Barren Hill).
The actions of the scouts, including the loss of some Oneida
and handful of Americans, saved Lafayette's army. The commander
never forgot the Oneida's action and bravery. In fact, during a
tour of the American states in celebration of the Declaration of
Independence in 1825, Lafayette visited Utica, N.Y. and asked to
meet with his old Oneida comrades-in-arms.
Spending some time with former Oneida scouts Blatcop and Henry
Cornelius, Lafayette sympathized with the Oneida over their circumstances
in losing so much to the advancing white settlers. Lafayette concluded
the meeting then traveled to other states before heading home to
France.
This relationship, and the role the Oneidas had in the American
Revolution, comes to light in the voyage of Hermoine, which will
sail to 11 additional iconic ports for an unprecedented two months
of events. The exhibit reinforces America's early ties with France,
strengthens understanding of the American Revolution and the crucial
involvement of the Oneida Indian Nation, and celebrates the spirit
of the Marquis de Lafayette.
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Thursday
the vessel reached Philadelphia as part of the Tall
Ships Celebration. Re-enactors here are portraying George
Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette, whom the Oneida
called "Kayewla" or "Great Warrior."
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From
left re-enactor portraying George Washington,
Chuck Fougnier, Wolf Clan Council Member, Ray
Halbritter, Nation Representative and Oneida Nation
Enterprises CEO and a re-enactor portraying the
Marquis de Lafayette, whom the Oneida called "Kayewla"
or "Great Warrior."
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Several
Oneida were on hand to welcome the unique exhibit
to the Tall Ships Festival in Philadelphia. From
left are Ron Patterson (Wolf Clan), Chuck Fougnier
(Wolf Clan), Brian Patterson (Bear Clan), Sheri
Beglen (Wolf Clan), and Brian Conners.
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Lafayette's
Hermione Voyage 2015
To symbolize and rekindle through the Hermione the intimate ties
between France and the United States, and the spirit of liberty
that sustains them. To demonstrate the inestimable value of history,
to the present and the future, and to show that it can be a living
force in increasing our understanding of the world.
http://www.hermione2015.com
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