‘Beyond insulting’: Syracuse’s offer to erect a Hiawatha statue instead of tear down Columbus met with disbelief from Native leader

The Onondaga Nation's efforts to reclaim parts of Onondaga Lake in Upstate New York have been overshadowed by Syracuse's controversial proposal to replace a statue of Christopher Columbus with one of Hiawatha. This suggestion has been met with disbelief and frustration from Native leaders, who view it as an inadequate response to the historical injustices associated with Columbus. The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding representation and the need for meaningful dialogue about Indigenous rights and history.