A history lesson from a different point of view History conference seeks to educate people about Oneida past News-Chronicle Many people know that the Oneida Tribe of Indians live in Wisconsin, but why they came here might not be as well known. That's why the Oneida Nation is hosting the Oneida Journeys conference, part of a series of conferences designed to give people a sense of Oneida history. Oneida Journeys, which begins today and continues through Saturday, will address the period between 1860 and 1900. "History is written from the view of the victor," said conference coordinator Gordon McLester. "What we're saying is that doesn't necessarily cover all aspects. The stories have not been told yet, and these stories are becoming from our point of view." Through slide shows, discussion from academic experts and attorneys from Washington, D.C., participants will get a broader view of the Oneida experience. Topics to be addressed include the reason Oneida people left New York to come to Green Bay, the formation of the reservation, land loss and timber rights and the Oneida involvement in the Civil War. McLester said the Indian Allotment Act - in which the government broke down Oneida land allotments from 65,000 acres to 80 acres in a period of less than 30 years - also will be addressed. "We're trying to educate not only our own people, but non-Indians," McLester said. "Most of the time we're just a footnote in someone's overall view of tribal history." The event is co-sponsored by the Oneida Nation Arts Program. FYI: The Oneida Journeys History Conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. today-Saturday and continues to mid-afternoon with lectures and presentations throughout the day. All events are free and take place at Oneida Nation Elementary School (Turtle School), N7125 Seminary Road, Oneida. Food and entertainment will be provided. The event will feature a concert by the Green Bay Civic Symphony, performing Dennison Wheelock's "Suite Aboriginal" at 7 p.m. tonight. The Oneida Hymn Singers of Canada will open for the concert at 6:30 p.m., following an ice cream social.