Sustaining our Culture and Traditions
Save the Date – September 25th, 2021
This year the Remember the Removal (RTR) Committee will honor the cultural traditions of the Seneca people prior to the construction of the Kinzua Dam on September 25th 2021.
Before the Kinzua Dam flooded 10,000 acres of our prime land, many Seneca households farmed their lands. Besides preserving food for winter, many families also hand-crafted materials and also performed in dance shows to make ends meet. This was a way of life for many families and included all members, even children, pitching in for the well-being of the family and community.
Farming was a way of life for many Seneca families; planting, harvesting, and canning were done throughout the seasons and many homes had root cellars to keep goods dry. Today, the John family has graciously lent their land back to the Seneca Nation for a bison farm. Gakwi:yo:h Farms has been significant in bringing back food sovereignty on Territory.
Senecas were known for their craftsmanship of both traditional and self-sustaining artistries. The Watt family is renowned for their basket- making skills and corn husk dolls. The late Nettie Watt passed her talents down to many of her heirs and their work continues to been seen throughout Seneca territory and museums. Other Seneca artists were known to make turtle rattles, wood carving, pottery, beadwork, snow snakes, and small trinkets for sale.
Dance exhibitions and performance shows were also a means for income, especially in large families. Families like the Jimersons and Crowes built a stockade in Coldspring and performed dances in western attire for tourists. These outfits involved the entire family and even travelled to perform in the summer months when the children did not attend school.
The RTR Committee will display images of community members engaged in cultural traditions; ie; beading, sewing, basket weaving, farming, canning, wood carving, lacrosse sticks, making snow snakes, making traditional foods, etc… We are accepting photos from the public of Seneca community members making traditional foods, labor or crafts. Photos will be displayed at the 2021 Remember the Removal event on Saturday, September 25th at the Seneca Allegany Administration Building. Please submit photos to the Seneca Media and Communications page via Facebook messenger, bring in a copy of your photo to the Seneca Media and Communications Center to scan, or mail in to Seneca Media and Communications Center at 90 Ohi:yo’ Way, Salamanca, NY 14779.
Limited vendor space for artists will also be available at the Seneca Allegany Administration Building on September 25th. Please contact Fallon Snyder at 716-945-1790, extension 3114 to reserve your spot.
If you would like to volunteer, please call 716-945-1790 and request the Council Office.
