HISTORIC BUFFALO CREEK TERRITORY - The Seneca Nation of Indians gathered Monday in West Seneca, formally known as the Buffalo Creek Territory, to honor the Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842.  The Treaty restored the territories of Allegany and Cattaraugus to the Seneca, and guaranteed that the Seneca would remain immune from all taxes and assessments.

President Barry Snyder Sr. and guest speakers remarked upon the importance of the treaty and its significance today. Snyder stressed that the treaties made between the United States and the Seneca must continue to be upheld and honored, today and into the future.

“The Buffalo Creek Treaty expressly prohibits taxation for any purpose. The treaty specifically provides to ‘protect such of the lands of the Seneca within the state of New York … from all taxes and assessments for roads, highways and other purposes…’” said Snyder. “Buffalo Creek is a living, breathing document that guides us today – just as those American documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation, guide Americans today.”