The University has entered a historic collaborative relationship to steward the Oren Lyons Collection through the Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center (SCRC). This landmark agreement of custodianship of the archival papers of Faithkeeper Oren Lyons is the most significant collection of its kind and was celebrated at a ceremonial event on Sept. 26 on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle.

Oren R. Lyons ’58, H’93 and SCRC have collaborated to define shared responsibilities for organizing, accessing, preserving and interpreting the collection, while reaffirming Indigenous nations’ rights to manage and control culturally sensitive materials. This collection marks the University as a trusted repository for Haudenosaunee collections, building on academic leadership and Lyons’ global work, establishing an international model for institutional-Indigenous partnerships.

“Oren Lyons has had a deeply profound impact—not just on Syracuse University but on all who have had the privilege to know him over the years,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “From his days as an All-American goalie on our undefeated 1957 lacrosse team to becoming a global voice for Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship, Oren has shown us what it means to live with purpose and principle. As we accept the great responsibility of stewarding his life’s collection, I am deeply humbled by the trust he has placed in his alma mater. He has taught us all to think not just about tomorrow, but about future generations.”

Lyons is a world-renowned faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation, an Army veteran, a University student-athlete alumnus, an award-winning lacrosse player, professor emeritus at the State University of New York at Buffalo, an artist, an author and a pivotal figure in international advocacy and diplomacy. The Oren Lyons Collection is composed of archival material documenting Lyons’ engagement in education, lacrosse, the arts and advocacy for environmental protection and Indigenous rights. Included will be his personal and professional papers along with an extensive collection of photographs, videos and audio recordings.

“Syracuse University Libraries is honored to be granted custodianship of Faithkeeper Oren Lyons’ papers. This is a monumental opportunity for scholarship and research around not only Indigenous studies, but also activism, art, lacrosse, history and environmental studies,” says David Seaman, dean of the Libraries and University Librarian.

The agreement was guided by the Protocols for Native American Archival Materials (First Archivist Circle, 2007) which includes recognition of Indigenous sovereignty; respect for cultural values, spiritual beliefs and traditional knowledge systems; the right of Indigenous nations to define access restrictions or contextual framing of materials; and collaboration in descriptive practices to reflect Indigenous worldviews.

“Oren Lyons’ collection, and his trust in our institution, will enable Syracuse University to serve as a research model, to help create more viable relationships around the world with Indigenous peoples and the land,” says Philip Arnold, professor of religion in the College of Arts and Sciences. “This will ensure that the Haudenosaunee teachings will continue. This is an awesome responsibility and opportunity.”