The area of western New York around Rochester was first inhabited by the Iroquois, a Native American people who lived in villages, farmed extensive crops, and hunted and traded with other tribes and eventually with Europeans. The five tribes of the Iroquois formed a confederacy to promote peace among themselves and to present a united front to outsiders. The Senecas of the Genesee Valley (Rochester area) comprised the largest of these tribes and were known as the Keepers of the Western Door.

GANONDAGAN was the capital of the Senecas from 1650 until 1687, when it was destroyed by a large French army led by the governor of Canada. At the contemporary Ganondagan site, illustrated signs mark trails where visitors can learn about the significance of plant life to the Senecas and about Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) customs and beliefs. An authentic replica of a Seneca longhouse was recently constructed. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton visited the Ganondagan site in 1998. Today Ganondagan is frequently the scene for special ceremonies and gatherings of Native Peoples.

Jeannette Miller, Executive Director of the Friends of Ganondagan, and G. Peter Jemison, Site Manager, are available to meet with international visitors interested in learning more about Seneca traditions. A presentation could be arranged by the Young Spirit Dancers, a youth group dedicated to keeping Seneca culture alive.

The NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER, located in Rochester, provides assistance to the approximately 2500 Native Americans in this area with programs in career training, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities.

Marchita Davison, a Native American active in many aspects of her culture, can provide current information about events in the Rochester vicinity. In April, an annual recognition ceremony takes place for Native American Women. Local universities participate in a program entitled Native Voices; a social event follows the formal presentations. A pow-wow will take place in July on the nearby Allegheny Reservation, where a museum preserves aspects of Native American culture.

THE ROCHESTER MUSEUM AND SCIENCE CENTER has several permanent exhibits featuring Native American topics. Betty Price, cultural anthropologist at the museum, and her staff can explain issues about doing research in areas sensitive to Native American concerns. Seneca employees of the museum can provide information about the past and insight into issues of contemporary interest.