Honor the Past, Claim the Future
The 60th Annual Remember the Removal Commemoration took place on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, in remembrance of the forced relocation and disruption of life in 1964 as a result of the construction of the Kinzua Dam.
This year community members gathered at the Steamburg Community Center before heading to the Onoville Marina for the annual tossing of the wreath by the Crouse siblings formerly of Onoville. Five children of Dorothy and Arthur “Dale” Crouse – Mike Crouse, Linda Crouse, Shirley Heron, Susan George, and Shelly Snyder were present to toss the wreath into the reservior. Dorothy and Dale Crouse were married prior to World War II and had 10 children. The family of 12 resided in Dale’s parents house on Quaker-Onoville Rd. He earned a living cutting logs. Dale also served as an Seneca Nation Councillor in 1964 and Peacemaker judge in 1946, 1948, and 1950.
All participants recieved a commemorative shirt, an insulated grocery bag, and a book containing all relocated families and homes. All books on each communtiy were produced by Sue Grey and are also available for purchase at the Seneca-Iroquois National Musueum.
The day ended back at the Steamburg Community Center with memorial walk around North Loop in Steamburg. Lead by singers, participants were able to see the original homesteads of those relocated with signs and photos along the way.
Program speakers Tyler Heron, Mike Crouse, Becki Bowen and Rod Pierce reflected on memories growing up prior to the removal and what if felt like to be forced from the land they were so connected to. They said 60 years later the pain remains but every day we honor the past, we are claiming a future of continued healing for all of our generations.
Nya:wëh to Mary Jacobs for providing the amazing beaded frames given to the families of the 3 head of households who remain. Rovena Abrams (Red House), Carolyn Brant (Onoville), and Bennet Wheeler Jr. (Quaker Bridge).
Nya:wëh to the Remember the Removal Committee and volunteers who help ensure the success of this important event! See you next year!
