For Immediate Release: December 31, 2025
(Oneida Reservation, Oneida WI) –
Two days ago, the Oneida Nation Business Committee became aware that Oneida-Stantec JV, LLC, a recognized federal contractor, was recently awarded two agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Oneida-Stantec JV, LLC, is a joint venture between Oneida Environmental (OE) and Stantec. OE is a tribally owned SBA certified 8(a) business that performs a variety of contracted functions for federal contractors, including Natural/Cultural Resource Assessment and Management. Services include engineering and inspection services intended to ensure safety, quality, and compliance in federal facilities that may be occupied by individuals. OE is a subsidiary of Oneida Engineering Science Construction Group (OESC). OESC is an independent corporate entity wholly owned by the Oneida Nation.
The Oneida Business Committee met with the OESC leadership after the Oneida Nation became aware that OE-Stantec JV, LLC entered into agreements associated with ICE detention facilities. The Oneida Business Committee and OESC leadership discussed the Oneida Nation’s values, shareholder expectations, and the ramifications this joint venture’s role in the development of an ICE detention facility may have on those core values.
The Oneida Business Committee condemns OESC’s action to enter a contract for ICE facilities and we believe such actions hinder teaching our values to the next seven generations of its employees, representatives, or corporations if we do not abide by those values today. OESC leadership will meet to consider the Nation’s concerns. Looking forward, and to provide clarity of the Nation’s position, the Oneida Business Committee adopted a resolution indicating the Nation requires its divisions, entities, and tribal corporations to disengage from grants, agreements, or contracts that involve Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Passing this resolution is an initial step to implementing clarity about the Nation’s expectations that our employees, representatives, businesses, and tribal corporations align with our core values. The Oneida Business Committee will consider other appropriate steps needed to prevent future misalignment with balanced measure using our Good Mind Principles,” said Chairman Tehassi Hill.
For more information contact: Bobbi Webster, Public Relations Director
920-819-8357
bwebst@oneidanation.org
