Working With Indigenous Communities
Genesee Land Trust is committed to uplifting Indigenous peoples and cultures—past, present, and future. We recognize history, affirm sovereignty, and invite reflection on our shared responsibility in the work the organization does and through the lands we care for.
Our goal is to build respectful relationships and ensure that conservation includes voices that have safeguarded these lands for generations.
We ask that you read our Land Acknowledgement below, which is the start of this work, and invite you to connect with us as we continue this necessary journey.
Land Acknowledgement
Genesee Land Trust is located within the homeland of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, specifically the Onöndowa’ga:’ (Seneca) Nation and Gayogo̱hó:nǫʼ (Cayuga) Nation. We acknowledge the ongoing impacts of colonization, dispossession, genocide, and forced displacement of Haudenosaunee peoples that have disrupted thousands of years of stewardship of land and water.
Genesee Land Trust honors all Indigenous peoples who call this region home. We celebrate their knowledge, cultures, heritage, and ongoing contributions to our shared community. We are grateful for their continued care of this land we all occupy.
This land acknowledgment marks a new beginning for Genesee Land Trust. We are committed to listening, learning, and working together in partnership with Indigenous communities towards a more equitable future. We invite you to join us in this shared responsibility.
Current Efforts
Learning - Genesee Land Trust is taking a deep dive into the stories, deeds, and records in the region which we work (and for the lands we steward) to learn about the history of land possession/dispossession and understand the continued relationship of the first people of these lands.
Allyship & Support - Genesee Land Trust is a proud supporter of the annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration in October and Native Made Market, a craft market highlighting Indigenous artists and storytellers. Both of these annual events take place in Rochester.
Building Connections - In 2025, Genesee Land Trust hired Seneca Scientific Solutions+, an Indigenous led consulting group, to kickstart our efforts to explore the history, barriers, and opportunities available to engage with Indigenous communities in this area. Through their guidance, we are developing an action plan.
Nature Preserves- We’re updating all signage at the nature preserves we steward to include our land acknowledgement above and are working with partners and community members to share Indigenous knowledge and stories with visitors through programs and events.
“Map of of Ho-De-No-Sau-Nee-Ga or the people of the long house” Compiled in 1851 by Lewis H. Morgan & Ely S. Parker, a Seneca sachem from several French maps of 1720 or earlier, showing trails, lakes, villages, and principal locations with their original names. Redrawn in 1962 by Eber L. Russell.
Resources
Scroll to explore several resources including books, films, maps, exhibits, and events that the team at Genesee Land Trust has found helpful in our learning and engagement with Indigenous communities.
Films & Media
Kanenon:we - Original Seeds, directed by Katsitsionni Fox
Remaining Native, directed and produced by Paige Bethmann
Lake of Betrayal, a film by Paul Lamont and Scott Sackett
Hidden Roots of Democracy, by Michelle Schenandoah with Rematriated Voices
Books
Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
The Serviceberry, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Becoming Kin, by Patty Krawec
A History of Native American Land Rights in Upstate New York, by Cindy Amrhein
Map: Native Land Digital
Explore this great interactive map to learn about the territories, languages, and treaties of native people around the world.
”Map of of Ho-De-No-Sau-Nee-Ga or the people of the long house:
Lewis H. Morgan & Ely S. Parker a Seneca sachem from several French maps of 1720 or earlier, showing ancient trails, lakes, villages, and principal locations with their aboriginal names.” Redrawn in 1962 by Eber L. Russell
“New York Province. Map of the country of the VI nations proper with part of the adjacent colonies”
Exhibits & Events
Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan
Visit exhibits and trails throughout this 600-acre historic site in Victor to learn about the culture, art, agriculture, and government of the Seneca people. Keep an eye on their calendar – they host seasonal educational events annually.
RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center)
Visit the exhibits Hodinöšyö:nih Continuity | Innovation | Resilience and At the Western Door to explore more than 400 years of cooperation and conflict between Western New York’s native people and Europeans + learn more about Haudenosaunee artists and rematriation efforts, today.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Committee
A local group that honors, celebrates, and elevates Indigenous People and Cultures through events, programs, and collaboration.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
Taking place each October in Rochester, Indigenous People’s Day is a day of celebration, learning, and culture, open to all.
Save the date for 2026: Monday, October 12 | 6 am – 6 pm.
Native Made Market
The Native Made Market is a Rochester, NY-based initiative often held around Small Business Saturday (late November), that showcases Indigenous creators, artists, and entrepreneurs. It serves as a cultural hub for authentic, handmade goods, including beadwork, jewelry, and clothing, designed to increase Indigenous visibility and support local makers.
Share Your Questions & Ideas
Do you have suggestions, opportunities, or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you and connect about this important work. We invite you to reach out to us with an email by clicking the button below.