Meet Native America Interview Series-NMAI President Barry E. Snyder, Sr. President of the Seneca Nation of Indians

"In the interview series Meet Native America, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian invites tribal leaders, cultural figures, and other interesting and accomplished Native individuals to introduce themselves and say a little about their lives and work. Together, their responses illustrate the diversity of the indigenous communities of the Western Hemisphere, as well as their shared concerns, and offer insights beyond what’s in the news to the ideas and experiences of Native peoples today." -Dennis Zotigh, NMAI 

Barry E. Snyder, Jr. President of the Seneca Nation of Indians.
All photos courtesy of the Seneca Nation.

"Where is your nation located? 

The Seneca Nation of Indians is located in the western region of New York State. Our five tribal/sovereign territories are in Cattaraugus (Irving), Allegany (Salamanca), Oil Spring, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls. The total land holdings equal 56,000 acres.

Where was your nation originally from? 

The Senecas migrated across what is now New York State, making their home at Ganondagon (Victor, New York) more than 300 years ago. From Ganondagon, the Seneca people moved farther west to the area that is now Western New York where we are known as Keepers of the Western Door to protect the people from intruders approaching the western border of Seneca Territory. "

To view the interview, click here.

Seneca Nation of Indians' website.