Leaders from the Seneca Nation and other dignitaries and guests will gather to commemorate the historic significance of the Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842 at an annual event next week. The commemoration event will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Charles E. Burchfield Nature & Art Center, 2001 Union Road, West Seneca.

“The Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842 forever shaped the history of the Seneca Nation and the history of Western New York, through our Nation’s continued presence on our ancestral lands and the important economic and cultural contributions the Seneca people have made to our region,” said Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong, Sr.

Signed between the Seneca Nation and the United States at a location in the vicinity of where the Burchfield property stands today, the Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842 restored Seneca possession of the Nation’s Cattaraugus and Allegany territories after an earlier, manipulated treaty attempted to stake claim to all Seneca lands and relocate the Seneca people to present day Kansas.

The Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842 further affirmed that the Seneca Nation will never be subject to taxation on Indian-owned lands. Article 9 of the Treaty clearly states that the United States agrees to “protect such lands of the Senecas within the state of New York as may from time to time remain in their possession from all taxes, and assessments for roads, highways and other purpose until such lands shall be sold and conveyed by said Indians and possession thereof shall be relinquished by them.”

In addition to President Armstrong, other speakers at the event will include West Seneca Supervisor Gary Dickson, and Seneca artist and faithkeeper William Crouse, Sr. Renowned Seneca artist, historian and advocate for Native American rights G. Peter Jemison, retired site manager of the Ganondagan historic site in Victor, will deliver the keynote address. Seneca Nation Councillor Maurice A. John, Sr., a former Seneca Nation President, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Representatives from American Legion Iroquois Post 1587 will post the colors, and there will be performances of traditional Haudenosaunee songs and dances.

The public is invited to attend, learn, participate and enjoy the commemoration event. Following the official program, a complimentary lunch will be provided by the Seneca Nation.