During the Revolutionary War, the Oneida Indian Nation was among the fledgling United States' first allies, creating an alliance which has endured to this day. However, the role of Native American peoples in U.S. history is lesser known. A large omission as many of these peoples, like the Oneida Indian Nation, are sovereign nations in their own right with their own histories, identities, and customs.

In these turbulent political times, it is important that we bridge our cultural differences to come to a better understanding of one another in efforts to promote justice for all people in New York State. In that spirit, the Historical Society of the New York Courts will present a public program in partnership with the Oneida Indian Nation on Nov. 20^th (details in the Calendar) exploring the interplay of tribal and state courts. We believe this will promote better legal practices that enrich both the state and tribal courts and will help preserve Native American customs.

Albert M. Rosenblatt is president of the Historical Society of the New York Courts and a former judge, on the New York State Court of Appeals.