The Decker papers
Document Type
Poster Presentation
Publication Date
4-17-2026
Keywords
fsc2026
Abstract
The Decker Papers are important to St. John Fisher students today because they connect local history in upstate New York to larger global issues of Indigenous rights, sovereignty, and diplomacy. By studying the documents related to Chief Deskaheh’s efforts in the 1920s to bring his people's case before the League of Nations, students can better understand how Indigenous leaders worked to defend their political independence and treaty rights on an international stage. Also allowing us to see how to peacefully fight for the morals of humanity and the injustices of our world. The correspondence preserved in the Decker Papers shows how allies such as George Decker supported these efforts, providing insight into the relationships and networks that helped amplify Indigenous voices. For students at St. John Fisher, engaging with these primary sources encourages critical thinking about justice, diplomacy, and cultural sovereignty while also highlighting the region’s connection to the history of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the leadership of Chief Deskaheh.
Publication Information
Williams, Jacquie, "The Decker papers" (2026). Fisher Showcase 2026. Paper 187.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/fsc2026/187
Please note that the Publication Information provides general citation information and may not be appropriate for your discipline. To receive help in creating a citation based on your discipline, please visit https://libguides.sjf.edu/citations.
Comments
Poster presented at the 2026 Fisher Showcase, St. John Fisher University, April 17, 2026.