1. The Journey into an unfamiliar place Depart: Reservation (Rez) Arrival: Urban Space (Indian Club)

2. Here we stand Rez is a slang term used by Native people to refer to the word reservation. I hope to illustrate the importance of an old establishment located within Syracuse and used by Natives whom reside on the Onondaga Reservation. Natives both on and off the rez choose to seek education and job services provided by the New York State Government at the “Indian club”. My intentions are to capture the journey from the rez to the Indian club via photographs (rather than simply mapping the journey on a map). I hope to bring more awareness to the Indian club through my primary research (photographs and interview).

3. Tsha’Hon’nonyen’dakhwa’ English translation: where they play games

4. Where they play games This photograph is of the sports arena located on the rez. This building is very popular and often used by residents and non- residents for lacrosse and hockey games. The arena is located on Route 11 which is a short distance from exit 16 (not in the main area where Natives inhabit). This is one of the reasons non-natives do venture to the rez besides the smoke shop (which is conveniently located next door). The building design itself has a lot of history built into it hence the two wampum belts shown. Images on building: Hiawatha Belt: Unity among 5 nations (Great Law of Peace) Purple lines that extend out of the purple squares are for other Nations to travel and join the Confederacy (shelter beneath branches) Two Row Wampum: Peace & friendship with Dutch (coexisting but never crossing paths)

5. Onondaga Nation Smoke Shop This is the Onondaga Nation Smoke shop which is the number one reason non-natives visit the rez. It is conveniently located a short distance from Interstate 81,Exit 16 so people can purchase their tobacco products and get right back on the Interstate. To many this is all they know of the rez.

6. Main Road Many Natives from the Onondaga Nation venture to the Indian Club to seek education and job placement assistance. I hope my photographs bring awareness to a journey from people into a space that is often over looked. This photograph is of the “main road” which is the primary road traveled to and from the rez. The purpose of the picture is to illustrate the road signs hence North Route 11A. This was the only route traveled by non-natives through the rez prior to the construction of Interstate 81.

7. South side A common mode of transportation for Natives from the rez with no vehicle is the bus. The following picture is on the bus route from the rez to the Centro hub were a transfer takes place to the west-side. To be exact this picture is on South Salina Street a block from the hub.

8. Mission In route to the Indian Club on Gifford Street you will enter the Rescue Mission “Mission District” hence the red banners. The Mission District is often a sign of low income areas and people that need assistance. Assistance could be in the forms of shelter, food, counseling and many other things. The Indian Club is located two block from the Mission District.

9. Since 1919 This photograph captures the widely known Nojaim Market that has been in the near West side community since 1919. The club seen in the background (large high riser) is only a short walking distance from Nojaim Market. Nojaim’s is well known for providing healthy food options in what would otherwise be an urban food desert.

10. PH (Public housing) The Indian Club is located in the basement of the James Geddes High risers located at 312 Gifford Street. It has been at this location for over 20 years. Part of the clubs location is due to cheap rent, utilities included and security provided by the housing authority.

11. Walk thru This is the entrance to the Indian Club on the far right side beneath the outdated green sign. Nojaim Market is located right across the road from Indian Club. Many student’s from the Indian Club’s GED program used to walk across the road to cash stipend check’s from the club at Nojaims (they no longer cash checks). Daily lunches and snacks would also be purchased at the market by Natives in the program.

12. Somewhere on the bottom This outdated sign is still above the entrance to the Indian Club. This is not just a sign for the Indian Club but also for the James Geddes Management Office located on the side of the building. The Indian Club is no longer referred to as the Native American JTPA Program but the sign still hangs. The name has been changed multiple times and with a quick google search I learned the most recent name is the Native American Cultural Center. Those who use the space call it the “Indian Club”.

13. Look here There is no sign on the main road 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. A new visitor would not even know this place existed unless another native, public housing neighbor or employee gave them directions. There is only a small green sign worn from years of service above the basement door (entrance to Indian Club) with several letters missing. It would be difficult for a visitor to fill in the missing gaps in the sign with the proper letters.

14. Somewhere in the BRICKS In the basement of the Public Housing Building on Gifford Street (near West-side) there is an establishment that has been there for over 20 years. The building appears very old, plain, poor, overpopulated, depressing and unwelcoming. The Indian Club is located in the basement of an eight floor public housing building. This location was chosen because of the many Natives who once lived in the area. Inside there is a welcoming group of Natives who are eager to assist with education and job services.

15. Welcome to the Club The entrance to the club appears unwelcoming and unkempt.The door is locked at all times for security purposes.

16. 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 and comfortable working there. She has seen many successes and many failures with natives at the club. No matter where the Natives come from she enjoys helping them improve their lives through education and job training.

17. Keepin’ it real The inside is full of color and life, unlike the outside of the building. The main office is decorated with images of the three sisters, mother earth and sky women (important images to Native Americans). There are also many types of plants in the office as plant life is essential to our ways and are addressed in the Thanksgiving address. The décor of the office has a homey feel much like a living room on the rez.