Oneidas’ Float in Macy’s Parade Sets Precedent

The Oneida Indian Nation’s “True Spirit of Thanksgiving” became the first float sponsored by an American Indian nation to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® in the event’s 82-year history. The elaborate float is a rendition of the Oneida’s creation story, depicting a giant turtle representing Turtle Island or Mother Earth.

Springing from the turtle’s back is a 30-foot pine tree — the Tree of Peace — its roots extending north, south, east, and west. Atop the Tree of Peace, an eagle keeps a watchful eye over the Oneidas and other members of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy.

More than 3.5 million people lined the parade’s route, and an estimated 50 million viewed the event on TV. Several Oneidas marched in the parade, as did members of the Nation’s First Allies Living History Project. First Allies also partners with Fort Stanwix National Monument, working at the park part of each week, as well as other National Park service sites in the Northeast, accurately depicting life in the 18th century and providing an Oneida perspective to history.

Each of the participants the Oneida Nation sent to the parade noted the effusiveness of the crowd and positive remarks showered upon the Nation. The producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, Amy Kule, also shared her enthusiasm about the Nation and its float, stating:

“We are honored to have the Oneida Indian Nation participate in this year’s parade with a majestic float that truly captures the spirit of the holiday. This fantastic float is filled with bigger-than-life images that bring the Oneida Indian story to life. From the symbolic giant Turtle representing Mother Earth to the truly spectacular Tree of Peace, our parade audience will not only enjoy the float for its majestic beauty, but also for its universal message of Peace.”

Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and Chief Executive Officer, offered his reflection on the Nation’s participation in the parade:

“The Oneida Indian Nation is honored to be included in the 82nd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. American Indians welcomed the first Europeans who came to our homelands in the spirit of thanksgiving, and showed our new neighbors how to adapt to the challenges of our Mother Earth. As first Americans, we are most thankful to be included in this premier holiday event because it is a wonderful opportunity to once again share the true spirit of Thanksgiving with America and the millions of people watching this wonderful parade.”

The True Spirit of Thanksgiving float will be featured again in the 2009 and 2010 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades®.