FOCUS Forums are a series of engaging public discussions featuring expert panelists who discuss a range of topics that impact Central New York residents, including education, environment, local government, business, health, public service, and more. Each forum consists of insightful presentations followed by a moderated Q&A session that encourages community participation. We aim to create an inclusive space for residents to learn and contribute to the issues that matter most in our community.
When: Friday, October 24, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Registration & Location: In-Person & Zoom. Registration: free and open to everyone.
Our October FOCUS Forum was held in-person at the Central New York Philanthropy Center, with the option of virtual participation via Zoom.
Topic: FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. is a nonpartisan organization. The views and opinions expressed in this FOCUS Forum are those of the individual speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. or our sponsor.
This Forum featured a presentation from Joe Heath, who delved into the ongoing legal efforts to reclaim ancestral lands. The presentation explored the historical context of the Onondaga Nation’s Land Rights Act, the legal challenges faced in U.S. courts, and the role of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
Please note that this Forum will include a 45-minute presentation by the speaker, followed by a brief, moderated Q&A, with limited time for audience questions.
Presenter & Sponsor:
Joseph J. Heath, Esq., Onondaga Nation General Counsel and Adjunct Professor at Cornell Law School
Click Here To Read Biography
Joe has been practicing law for just over 50 years and on his 3rd day of law school, in Buffalo, in September of 1971, the Attica Prison rebelled. This began his career in civil and human rights. He was one of four lawyers who represented the class action on behalf of the Attica Brothers, which resulted in NY paying the class $12 million in 2000.
Joe also practiced criminal law for three decades, including a half dozen homicide trials. He also practiced, as “Law Guardian,” in Family Court for two decades and received two awards for this work.
For over 40 years, Joe has served as General Counsel for the Onondaga Nation, the Central Fire of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. His work for the Nation and the Confederacy has focused on preservation of sovereignty; rematriation of stolen homelands, ancestors’ remains and items of cultural patrimony; and environmental protection and preservation.
He is currently an Adjunct Professor at Cornell Law School, where he assists Prof. Michael Sliger in the Federal Indian Law Practicum.
He is also a decades long member of Veterans for Peace.
Joe Heath’s presentation on this panel will focus on the Indian Child Welfare Act and the current difficulties which Indigenous nations and their citizens experience when Indian children’s cases land in NY Family Courts, particularly in rural, Upstate counties.
Links Provided by the Presenter:
- American Indian Law Alliance
- Indigenous Values Initiative
- Onondaga Nation
- Skä•noñh – Great Law of Peace Center
FOCUS extends our heartfelt gratitude to EDR for their generous sponsorship of the October 2025 FOCUS Forum. EDR’s support enables us to continue providing free access to this valuable educational resource.
| Founded in 1979, EDR is a certified Woman Owned Business (WBE) dedicated to sustainable, multidisciplinary solutions arrived at through collaboration with our clients and allies. EDR’s mission is dedicated to creating and sustaining a better environment – for our clients, for our employees, and for our communities. Our diverse Practice Areas include Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Environmental, Cultural Resources, Community Planning, Visualization, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) supported by our Operations team that includes Finance, Human Resources, and Marketing/Communications. |
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