Onondaga Nation – On Tuesday May 27, 2026, Dr. Mantosh Dewan and representatives from Upstate University Medical Center came to Onondaga for dinner and an historic announcement about the Upstate Onondaga Promise.
Chief Spencer Lyons welcomed all in attendance an discussed the important relationship the Onondaga Nation has had with Upstate University in providing health care on the Onondaga Nation.
“Upstate has been in partnership with the nation for a very long time,” said Lyons. “I remember going to the trailer in a parking lot behind the school. Our facilities have changed since then but not our relationship with Upstate. Upstate is a part of our community and we have built a strong allyship between us.”
After a traditional meal of traditional corn soup, Dr. Dewan was able to address the crowd of people gathered there.
“Many know of the Upstate Onondaga Promise that began in 2025,” said Dewan. “We are now expanding the Upstate Onondaga Promise to include the College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Graduate Studies, and the College of Health Professions. Not only will Onondagas be able to become physicians, but also nurses, x-ray and ultrasound technicians, radiation therapy technicians, laboratory technicians, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, physician assistants, and research scientists.”
Dr Dewan with Onondaga leadershipDr. Brian Thompson, Oneida who grew up on the Onondaga Nation also heralded the opportunity being presented by Dr Dewan.
“We know that going to the hospital can be a frightening experience,” said Thompson. “But seeing other native faces and knowing there is someone who knows me who is there is comforting. We all want our community to be healthy.”
In 2024 the Indian Health Center (IHS) visited the Onondaga Nation in response to the report stating that the Onondaga Nation has the highest mortality rate in Central New York and to see what services they could supplement to Upstate University’s stewardship of the Onondaga Nation Health Center. At the time, IHS pledged support for programs and structural changes to the health center. Unfortunately, with the change of the US Presidential administration, those promises have fallen silent.
“We all want to improve the health of our people on the Nation,” added Lyons. “We know that the doctors and nurses and the clinic do their best for us. They are a part of our community.”
The Dean of Student Affairs Robert Ruiz and Upstate’s native coordinator Trina Northrop welcomed potential students with pamphlets, answers, guidance, and assurance.
“We are looking for the Upstate Onondaga Promise to be a partnership,” said Ruiz. “Being our programs requires hard work. But we are here because we want the program to be successful and we want to learn from each other.”
“We want to see a steady flow of people utilizing these programs,” said Dewan. “We are here to help you help your community. We are indeed allies.”
Read the Upstate Onondaga Promise 2026