The Oneida Indian Nation’s First Allies re-enactment group received the President’s Volunteer Service Award at the Fort Stanwix National Monument Tuesday afternoon. 

Oneida Indian Nation Representative and CEO Ray Halbritter accepted the award on their behalf. 

Halbritter said it is important for the Oneidas to keep their history and culture alive. The Oneidas fought alongside the Colonists during the Revolutionary War in an effort to gain independence from Britain. 

“It is a struggle, that’s one of the reasons why this volunteer program is so important,” he said. “It helps our people maintain historical elements of our culture and do it in a way that’s educational. I think it adds to the overall presentation of the fort as a national monument.” 

The volunteers travel to give historical-themed performances at places such as Fort Stanwix National Monument, the Valley Forge National Historical Park, the Saratoga National Historical Park and the Springfield Armory National Historical Site. 

Ron Patterson and his friend Will Kuhl, both Oneidas, perform the roles of Oneida Indian warriors and create their own outfits, which include moccasins, leggings and other clothing. 

“Right now we’re making Lacrosse sticks. We try to get it as accurate as possible,” he said. “It’s part of my heritage and my culture.” 

Will Kuhl said it was his mother, Kathy Kuhl, who got him involved in the group.
Kathy Kuhl said it’s important for people to know the role the Oneidas played in the Revolutionary war. 

She performs the role of an Oneida woman and has been participating for around seven years. 

“It’s a part of who we are,” she said.