Indian New Deal, Tribal Termination, and Urban Relocation 1934-1967

1957

Seneca traditional lands protected by treaty are flooded by Kinzua Dam

Kinzua Dam. Image: Niagra
Kinzua Dam. Image: Niagra

The Seneca opposed the building of a dam that ends up flooding traditional homelands. Forced relocation ensues. Christian Indians are relocated to better lands while more traditionalist Seneca and followers of the Longhouse religion, who were vocal in opposing the dams, are given poorer and more isolated lands (Nies, 1996).

Traumatic Event