‘Driving force’ built relationship between Senecas, community
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SILVER CREEK -- A crowd of about 70 residents poured into the cozy and welcoming Anderson-Lee Library to pay tribute to and celebrate an important connection to the community and Western New York. For nearly a decade, the library has commemorated November as Native American Heritage Month.
During last Saturday's gathering, there was no mistaking who deserved the thanks and appreciation for a decade of programming and educational presentations. Rows of chairs were filled, while others stood, listened and participated.
All were there in memory of Christine Huff.
"Chris's passing this summer left us without our driving force behind this program and took some of the wind from our sails as a library family," said Amy O'Connell, children's and young adult program coordinator, in opening the program. "Chris always called us her library family. We miss her immensely and grieve the loss of our beloved co-worker."
Through persistence and a determination to bring cultures together, Huff made it her mission to foster greater understanding between neighbors who were so close geographically, yet sometimes so far apart. That is not always an easy endeavor.
As part of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Senecas, known as the Keepers of the Western Door, are an important force in the region's business and industry. Their territories surround Chautauqua County to the north in Erie County and to the east in Cattaraugus County. There is also a strong connection to Warren County, Pa., through Chief Cornplanter, whose likeness towers above downtown in a mural.
An independent report prepared for the Nation in 2025 cited an overall economic impact of nearly $2 billion in Western New York, including thousands of jobs, hundreds of millions of dollars in local wages, payroll taxes and other benefits.
"The Seneca Nation's continued presence and leadership in Western New York provides important fuel to the region's economy," former Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca said when unveiling the results. "Moreover, we provide for and help sustain the livelihoods of thousands of individuals and families who, like us, call this region home."
Despite those contributions, there are rifts in the relationship with New York. Motorists are consistently reminded of the dispute while traveling on Interstate 90 north of Silver Creek. Signs note that the state owes more than $675 million in fees for vehicles traveling through Seneca territory.
Huff, however, was remembered for her efforts to build relationships through goodwill. Flip White, a longtime contributor to the library series, spoke about the disconnect between the Seneca Nation and Silver Creek. As a member of the Wolf Clan, White said he was aware of the Chautauqua County school and community but was not truly part of it until the library began its Native American series years ago.
"Our responsibility, while we are here, is to achieve a peace. ... I look at Chris and the approach she took," he said. "She did bring a great relationship."
Friends, book club members and other acquaintances also came forward during the gathering to share recollections and pay their respects. Following the event, attendees gathered for a special meal that included corn soup, frybread and strawberry drink.
There was shared laughter, plenty of memories and a few belated tears.
O'Connell offered one of the statements she found in Huff's longtime notebook regarding the importance of the series:
"It's impossible to understand the formation of the United States without understanding its indigenous history. We have been taught that the origins of this country are based on European discoveries and conquests. Our goal as a community library is to address the widespread lack of reliable information regarding Native American history and issues."
Huff's legacy is forever tied to the Anderson-Lee Library and its commitment to bringing two communities together. That is quite an accomplishment that, judging by the turnout, many truly appreciate.
John D'Agostino is editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.