What Are the Lighted Teepees Off I-90 Near Turning Stone
What are the lighted teepees off Interstate 90 near Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York?
Nine illuminated tipis located on Oneida Indian Nation Land just prior to Exit 33 are a new cultural art installation called the Passage of Peace. They are designed to recognize the Western Tribal Nations and the challenge Native Americans face, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We hope The Passage of Peace will bring attention to continued hardship taking place in many parts of Indian Country, while delivering a message of peace and remembrance with our neighboring communities here in Upstate New York,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative. “The tipi has become a universally recognized symbol of Native American identity. It also represents the traditions of Indigenous Nations in the Western U.S., many of which have experienced tremendous loss of life and suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Impact of COVID-19 on Native Americans:
The Passage of Peace will be on display from November 15 to the New Year.