Indian Club Indigenous people within an unexpected space (within Syracuse)

People in Space Aims: To illustrate the importance of an old establishment located in a space you wouldn’t expect it to be and serving people you wouldn’t expect it to be serving. I hope to capture a place located in space that is overlooked and bring awareness to it through primary research (photographs). Methods: collecting, analyzing and interpreting materials. Materials: photographs, observations and an interview on site. Subjects or content of work: People in space/ Indians in space/ Indians in Syracuse space/ Indigenous people in Syracuse near- Westside space

Main Road Many Natives from the Onondaga Nation venture to the Indian Club to seek education and job placement assistance. Here I hope to illustrate their journey from the Onondaga Nation to the Club on Gifford using photographs. The Onondaga Nation is often referred to as a no-go location or only visited to purchase tax free tobacco products. I hope my photographs bring awareness to an area and people that are often over looked (Onondaga Nation).

Southside

Mission

1919

Gifford

312

Walk thru

Look here You will not find a big sign advertising the services offered in the public housing basement. The separate entrance to the club is located on the back side of the building unlike the main entrance towards the street. You would not know this establishment even existed unless another native or section 8 area neighbor gave you directions. I’m sure you would miss the small green sign worn from years of service above the basement door (entrance to Indian Club) with letters missing. You probably wouldn’t be able to fill in the missing gaps in the sign with the proper letters unless you were familiar with the services offered at the location.

In the basement of the Public Housing Building on Gifford Street (near West-side) you will find an establishment that has been there for over 20 years. The building appears very old, plain, poor, overpopulated, depressing and unwelcoming.

Welcome to the Club

Tell me about the Club Gail Vincent is the Coordinator of the Native American Culture Center (aka Indian Club). Gail has been with the club for over 15 years on Gifford Street and feels safe working there. She has seen many successes and many failures while working at the club. She enjoys working with Natives and helping them improve their lives through education and job training.

The Indian Club is located in the basement of an 8 floor public housing building and has been there for over 20 years. This location was chosen because of the residents (Indians) that once lived in the area.

Exit 16 New York state sign seen driving on Interstate 81 that runs threw the Onondaga Nation.

Tsha’Hon’nonyen’dakhwa’

Where games are played FIL World Championship hosts 2015 Hiawatha Belt: Unity among 5 nations (Great Law of Peace) White lines that extend out are for other Nations to travel and join (shelter beneath branches) Two Row Wampum: Peace & friendship with Dutch (coexisting but never crossing paths)

Onondaga Nation Smoke Shop