Honoring Oneida Indian Nation culture is a part of what we do at Turning Stone Resort Casino. Now there’s a store where guests can purchase crafts and other artisan work to celebrate Oneida culture long after their visit.

The store, titled Heritage, opened earlier this month on the far side of The Commons near the entrance to The Parlour.

Inventory will comprise a variety of handiwork from various members of the Oneida Indian Nation, as well as other Native American artisans.

Some of these items include leather moccasins and pouches, wampum belts, beaded jewelry, no-face dolls, hand-carved wooden lacrosse sticks, and more.

Heritage will also stock a series of children’s language-learning books created in partnership with the Oneida Indian Nation Language Department and Madison-Oneida BOCES. The books share Haudenosaunee legends with a format that allows anyone to learn Oneida words and phrases as they enjoy colorful illustrations and captivating stories.

Award-winning animated films created by the Oneida Indian Nation, “My Home” and “Raccoon Crawfish” are also available for purchase. Of course, the shop also will sell mugs and other trinkets emblazoned with traditional Oneida imagery.

There will be an area of the store for custom orders of snow snakes and bows, too.

“The things we sell in the shop are as authentic as you can possibly get, made by members of the Oneida Indian Nation,” said Ron Patterson, Oneida Indian Nation Member and Manager of the Shako:wi Cultural Center. “When people shop at Heritage, they are buying handcrafted goods directly from the indigenous people in this region.”

As the name suggests, Heritage will be more than just a place to buy items—guests can come by to watch Oneida artisans at work.

Nation Member Karen Pierce, the shop’s only full-time sales associate, will be working on beading projects in the store and will teach guests about traditional Oneida beadwork and the technique and artistry behind these beautiful pieces.

Ron, who is famous for his custom-made lacrosse sticks, will stop by to do live carvings or to weave netting.

Overall, Heritage offers Turning Stone guests an opportunity to learn more about Oneida culture and support Oneida artisans through purchasing works of Native American art. We are delighted to support this endeavor, and we look forward to sharing Oneida culture and crafts with the world at large.

“We have wonderful casinos, great resorts and award-winning golf courses, and we are a vibrant people independent of those things,” said Ron. “This gives us a chance to let people know we’re here. We’re still connected as a people, and we’re doing great work.”