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Oneida Nation float in Macy's parade
November 27, 2008
By: Lou Gulino

	Link to CNY Central Coverage

NEW YORK -- Keep an eye out this morning during NBC's telecast of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade for a float from the Oneida Nation. Called "The Spirit of Thanksgiving" the float, which depicts a giant turtle, symbolizing the "Mother earth", and a giant white pine growing from its back symbloizing the "Tree of Peace"

Here is the news release the Oneida Nation sent us about this event. Note, the float is expected to arrive at the NBC broadcast location outside Macy's Herald Square store at about 11:15 this morning.

The Tree of Peace takes root at Herald Square as the Oneida Indian Nation debuts in the 82nd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ®. On Thursday, November 27th, the Oneida Indian Nation’s True Spirit of Thanksgiving float will ride down Broadway spreading the message of Thanksgiving to over 3.5 million spectators and appearing on television at approximately 11:15 a.m. to over 50 million viewers nationwide. Sharing the Oneida representation of the creation story, the float is a beautifully symbolic depiction of the legendary Nation’s birth.

Designed and built by the magicians of the Macy’s Parade Studio, The Oneida Nation presents the True Spirit of Thanksgiving float showcases the Indian Nation’s representation of the creation story with vivid characters, symbols and performers. The float depicts the tale of Sky Woman who one day came to rest on a Turtle’s back, depicted on the float by a giant Turtle symbolizing Mother Earth. A 30-foot tall White Pine Tree symbolizing the Tree of Peace grows from the turtle’s back, and climbs skyward, while its great white roots of peace spread in four directions- north, south, east and west. On top of the Great Tree is an eagle that keeps watch over the Nations, symbolizing the constant watch and protection of Peace. Along for the ride are Iroquois dancers at each root representing all Indian people from across the country.

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,” says Amy Kule, producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“The Oneida Indian Nation is honored to be included in the 82nd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and Chief Executive Officer. “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.”