[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20454]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING CHIEF IRVING POWLESS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 20, 2017

  Mr. KATKO. Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Onondaga 
Nation Chief Irving Powless, Jr.
  Chief Powless was born in Syracuse, the son of Chief Irving Powless, 
Sr. and Cecelia Powless, both active members within the Onondaga 
Nation. As chief of the Beaver Clan of the Onondaga Nation, Chief 
Powless, Jr. established a reputation for his quick wit, enthusiasm, 
and ability to ease stressful situations. He served as secretary of the 
Onondaga Council of Chiefs for more than 30 years and was a respected 
leader throughout Central New York. Chief Powless was an expert on 
treaty rights, and throughout his life, tirelessly advocated for the 
rights of the Onondaga Nation and the Haudenosaunee peoples.
  Chief Powless' love for his people and for their history never 
faltered over the course of his life. He was an avid historian, and 
spent time as a lecturer, author, and teacher. Beyond his role as a 
scholar, Chief Powless was an avid hunter, lacrosse player, and 
environmental advocate. He worked to obtain a new health center for the 
Onondaga Nation School, and to return sacred objects from museums to 
the Onondaga people. He published several books, including, ``Who are 
These People Anyway?''
  It is my honor to recognize the life and legacy of this great leader 
in our community. May Chief Irving Powless, Jr. name and legacy forever 
be remembered in the Record. Rest peacefully.

                          ____________________