More than 200 acres of reacquired ancestral homelands recognized as sovereign Seneca territory
(February 26, 2026) CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY, IRVING, N.Y. – The Seneca Nation’s future presence on Grand Island took a significant step forward with a key approval from the United States Department of Interior.
Late Tuesday, the Nation received official notification that its application to place more than 200 acres of its ancestral homelands on Grand Island into Restricted Fee status was approved. The land, located west of I-190 between Long Rd. and Bedell Rd., is now officially recognized as sovereign Seneca Nation territory. The deed will now be recorded by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs in accordance with the approval.
“We’re excited to take this next step in making this piece of our ancestral homelands a vital part of the Seneca Nation’s future,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca.
In December, William and Michael Huntress, owners of Acquest Development, transferred title to the 207-acre site to the Nation for $1, calling the Seneca Nation “the rightful owners of Grand Island.” “Now that our permanent future on Grand Island is secured, the Seneca Nation will forever be connected to that community,” President Seneca said. “We think there are significant opportunities for how the site can be developed to benefit the long-term future of the Seneca Nation and our people, as well as the surrounding community and region. We look forward to exploring those opportunities in the days ahead.”
