The Onondaga Nation is one of the original five nations of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, located in central New York. The Onondaga people have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their deep connection to the land and their role as the "Keepers of the Fire," symbolizing their position as central mediators within the Confederacy. The Onondaga Nation has its own government and operates independently, maintaining its traditions and language. The community is involved in various initiatives to preserve their culture and promote economic development, while also advocating for the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples in the United States.