The Tonawanda Band of Seneca stands as a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the Seneca people, a federally recognized tribe residing within the state of New York. Their history is interwoven with the broader narrative of the Iroquois Confederacy, but they carved their own distinct path in the 19th century, diverging from the main body of the Seneca Nation due to fundamental disagreements surrounding the contentious terms of the 1838 Treaty of Buffalo Creek. This pivotal moment solidified their identity as the Tonawanda Band of Seneca, committed to preserving their traditional governance and way of life.
A Legacy of Self-Determination
The story of the Tonawanda Band of Seneca is one of unwavering determination to maintain their sovereignty and cultural heritage in the face of external pressures. The 1838 Treaty of Buffalo Creek, intended to facilitate the removal of Native American tribes from New York to lands west of the Mississippi, sparked deep divisions within the Seneca Nation. The Ogden Land Company sought to acquire the remaining Seneca reservations in New York, with the proceeds ostensibly earmarked for relocation expenses.
However, the Seneca of the Tonawanda Reservation vehemently protested, asserting that they had not been consulted during the treaty negotiations, nor had their chiefs endorsed the agreement. They resolutely refused to abandon their ancestral lands, marking a critical turning point in their history.
Reasserting Tradition
In 1848, the Seneca residing on the Cattaraugus and Allegany reservations adopted a new constitution and government, mirroring the structure of the United States government, including tribal elections of chiefs. This departure from traditional practices, where clan mothers selected chiefs who served for life, prompted the Tonawanda Band of Seneca to secede from the main Seneca Nation.
The Tonawanda Band of Seneca meticulously reorganized, reaffirming their commitment to the traditional system of governance based on the Council of Chiefs, with representatives from each of their eight clans. This decision underscored their dedication to preserving their cultural heritage and autonomy.
Federal Recognition and Land Reclamation
In 1857, the Tonawanda Band of Seneca achieved a significant milestone when they secured federal recognition as an independent Indian nation through the "Treaty with the Seneca, Tonawanda Band." This recognition validated their distinct identity and affirmed their right to self-governance.
Leveraging their share of the proceeds from the earlier land sale, the Tonawanda Band of Seneca embarked on a determined effort to repurchase the majority of the Tonawanda Reservation, reclaiming their ancestral homeland. They re-established their traditional government, where chiefs, chosen by clan mothers, typically served for life, guiding the band through consensus-based leadership.
The Tonawanda Community Today
Today, the Tonawanda Band of Seneca continues to thrive on their reservation in Basom, New York, approximately 30 miles east of Buffalo, steadfastly upholding their cultural traditions and exercising their sovereign rights. The community maintains a strong connection to its heritage, actively promoting the Seneca language and customs through various initiatives.
Key Contact Information:
- Address: 7027 Meadville Road, Basom, NY 14013
- Phone: (716) 542-4244
- Fax: (716) 542-4008
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy
The Tonawanda Band of Seneca is a member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy or the Six Nations. This historic alliance, predating European contact, initially comprised the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk nations. The Tuscarora nation joined in the early 18th century, completing the six-nation confederacy. The Confederacy played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of North America, influencing early European colonists with their democratic principles and governance structures.
Clans and Governance
The social structure of the Tonawanda Band of Seneca is deeply rooted in its clan system. The band consists of eight clans: Snipe, Heron, Hawk, Deer, Wolf, Beaver, Bear, and Turtle. Each clan plays a vital role in the governance of the band, ensuring a balance of power and representation.
Clan mothers hold a position of great respect and influence within the community. They are responsible for appointing individuals to serve as chiefs, selecting candidates from hereditary maternal lines. The clan mother retains the authority to remove a chief and provides recommendations to the chief on matters of tribal government, reflecting the importance of female leadership within the Tonawanda Band of Seneca.
The chiefs, in turn, are expected to consult with the clan mothers and clan members, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of the community as a whole. This system of checks and balances underscores the importance of consensus-building and collective decision-making within the Tonawanda Band of Seneca.
Language and Cultural Preservation
The Seneca language, an Iroquoian language, is an integral part of the Tonawanda Band of Seneca‘s cultural identity. However, like many Indigenous languages, it faces the threat of endangerment. Recognizing the importance of language preservation, the community has implemented various revitalization programs to promote the use and transmission of the Seneca language to future generations.
The Seneca Faithkeepers School, founded in 1998, provides immersive language instruction to children, fostering fluency and cultural understanding. The school’s curriculum integrates Seneca language, traditions, and values, ensuring that young members of the community are deeply connected to their heritage.
Efforts to promote the Seneca language extend beyond the classroom. The community has incorporated the language into public events, such as lacrosse matches, where students serve as announcers, creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment. WGWE, a Seneca-owned radio station, features a daily "Seneca Word of the Day" segment, increasing awareness of the language among the broader public.
Challenges and Resilience
Throughout their history, the Tonawanda Band of Seneca has faced numerous challenges, including land dispossession, cultural assimilation, and economic hardship. Despite these obstacles, the band has demonstrated remarkable resilience, preserving its cultural identity and asserting its sovereign rights.
The Tonawanda Band of Seneca continues to advocate for the recognition and protection of its treaty rights, working to ensure that the United States government fulfills its obligations to the tribe. They are committed to promoting economic development within the community, creating opportunities for their members to thrive and prosper.
The Tonawanda Band of Seneca serves as an inspiring example of Indigenous resilience and self-determination. Their unwavering commitment to their cultural heritage, combined with their proactive efforts to preserve their language and traditions, ensures that the Tonawanda Band of Seneca will continue to thrive for generations to come.
The Tonawanda Band of Seneca is an enduring testament to the strength and perseverance of the Seneca people, a story of cultural preservation and self-determination that resonates far beyond the borders of their reservation.