Land Acknowledgement: The History of WNY and the Senecas

On Nov. 29, 2024, the AKG Art Museum hosted an engaging discussion led by Melissa Parker Leonard on the history of Western New York and the Senecas. The event explored the long and complex struggle for Seneca land, beginning with the Ogden Land Company's acquisition of rights to four Seneca reservations in 1810. Attendees gained insight into the resilience of the Senecas in Buffalo during the early 19th century, the challenges they faced, and the lasting impact of the Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842. Through historical analysis and storytelling, the presentation highlighted the Senecas’ enduring legacy in shaping the region and their continued presence in Western New York today.