History

With a proud and rich history, the Seneca were the largest of six Native American nations which comprised the Iroquois Confederacy or Six Nations, a democratic government that pre-dates the United States Constitution.

For generations, the Seneca have thrived in the Finger Lakes and Genesee Valley regions of New York State and now reside in large portions of Western New York on the Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Oil Spring territories, including the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Seneca families previously inhabited strong riverside communities protected by Eastern woodland forests and lived in harmony with the land, housed in traditional longhouse homes.

Today, more than 8,500 Seneca citizens and their families continue this legacy—honoring our heritage while leading the way in cultural, educational, and economic growth. Through year-round tourism, gaming, cannabis operations, and cultural initiatives, we’re strengthening our Nation and enriching the lives of our neighbors.

The Seneca are known as the "Keeper of the Western Door," for the Seneca are the westernmost of the Six Nations. At the time of the formation of the Iroquois League, the original five nations of the Iroquois League occupied large areas of land in the Northeast USA and Southeast Canada.

In the Seneca language we are known as O-non-dowa-gah, (pronounced: Oh-n'own-dough-wahgah) or "Great Hill People."

Early Seneca relied heavily on agriculture for food, growing the Three Sisters: corn, beans, and squash, which were known as Deohako (pronounced: Jo- hay- ko) "the life supporters." In addition to raising crops, the early Seneca were also subsistence hunters and fishers.

Alongside being highly skilled at warfare and considered fierce adversaries, the Seneca people were renowned for our sophisticated diplomacy and oratory skills, as well as the willingness to unite with the other original five nations to form the Iroquois Confederacy of Nations.

Today the Seneca Nation supports its own people and benefits surrounding communities with a variety of cultural, educational and economic efforts. Its varied enterprises include: world-class casino gaming, hospitality and entertainment, which employ over 3,500 people, as well as a convenience store chain (5 stores), construction management, and diverse holdings in business ventures.

Seneca culture and values remain strong and intact. Language, song, art, dance, and sports are all vital aspects of Seneca culture.  Although the number of fluent Seneca language speakers is diminishing and the language is considered at-risk, there are language programs at the Seneca Nation in place to help protect, preserve and develop a new generation of Seneca language speakers to keep the Seneca language alive.