Onödowá’ga:’
Onödowá’ga:’ The Seneca Nation is the largest of the six Native American nations comprising the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. As the westernmost of the Six Nations, it is known as the “Keeper of the Western Door,” and in the Seneca language, is called Onödowá’ga:’ (pronounced: Oh-n’own-dough-wahgah) or “People of the Great Hill.”
The Haudenosaunee model of governance focuses on fairness and equity, with a vision to meet the needs of the seventh generation to come. The Seventh Generation Principle dictates that decisions made today should lead to the sustainability of seven generations into the future. This principle was instrumental in the formation of the United States government and constitution, a true democracy.
Today, the Seneca Nation supports its own people, benefitting nearby communities with a variety of cultural, educational and economic efforts. Its various enterprises include three world-class casino gaming, hospitality and entertainment facilities, as well as a franchised convenience store chain with five locations, a construction management firm and diverse holdings in business ventures.
The Seneca Nation has a total enrolled population of approximately 8,500 members. The territories are generally rural with several residential areas. Almost half of enrolled Senecas live off-territory, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Allegany Territory
Located entirely within Cattaraugus County and including the city of Salamanca, New York, the Allegany Territory runs along the Allegheny River between the Pennsylvania border and Vandalia, New York. Some 10,000 of the original 30,469 acres were inundated by the Kinzua Reservoir when the Army Corps of Engineers built the Kinzua Dam in 1964.
Cattaraugus Territory
This 21,618-acre territory spans Cattaraugus, Chautauqua & Erie Counties along the Cattaraugus Creek, from the shore of Lake Erie to Gowanda, New York.
Oil Spring Territory
This one-square-mile piece of land is the site of the first recorded mention of oil on the North American Continent in 1627. With access to Cuba Lake, the spring is located on the border of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties.
Gaming Operations
As a result of the New York State Gaming Compact, the Seneca Nation established sovereign Class III gaming operations in Buffalo Creek and Niagara Falls. Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino operates on the Allegany Territory in Salamanca, New York.
