Gathering focused on building continued familiarity with Nation, discussing matters of mutual interest
August 4, 2026
VICTOR, N.Y. – Elected leaders from the Seneca Nation welcomed federal, state and local elected officials and staff representatives to a portion of the Nation’s ancestral homelands for an afternoon of relationship building and conversation.
Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca and several members of the Seneca Nation Council met with officials from throughout the Rochester-area at the Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor. A National Historic Landmark, Ganondagan is the original site of a 17th century Seneca town that existed there more than 350 years ago. Throughout the day, Seneca Nation leaders and the Rochester-area officials in attendance discussed a wide range of issues, including Seneca Nation history and its economic leadership in western New York, as well as matters of mutual interest.
“The Rochester region and the Genesee Valley are part of our ancestral home. We believe the Seneca Nation can be a strong part of the region’s future and vice versa,” President Seneca said. “Any path forward has to be built on knowing and understanding one another. That’s what today’s meeting was focused on. We hope to have more conversations like this in the future.”
Last year, the Seneca Nation made a significant investment in Rochester with the purchase of the Rochester Knighthawks National Lacrosse League franchise. Over the past year, President Seneca has worked to develop the Nation’s business and government relationships in the region.
“In many ways, acquiring the Knighthawks was a reintroduction for the Seneca Nation to this part of our ancestral home. The reception we have received has been fantastic, and we think we can do more,” he said. “As a sovereign government, we always try to build strong relationships with our neighbors. We also have matters that are important to our Nation and our people that outside governments need to understand. In addition, as an economic leader, we are always interested in exploring ways to further the impact we can have in Rochester.”
The Seneca people have lived on the lands in what is today the western part of New York State for time immemorial, and have made countless contributions to the region’s history, culture, and economy. Between its government operations and business enterprises, the Seneca Nation provides an economic impact to the Western New York region of nearly $2 billion, making it one of the region’s most significant economic engines and largest employers. The Nation and its businesses provide thousands of direct jobs and support thousands of others through partnerships with a large network of vendors, suppliers, and contractors throughout New York.
