The Stafford Historical Society presents “The History of Native American Land Rights in WNY” by Wyoming County Historian Cindy Amrhein
On Wednesday, August 22, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., Wyoming County Historian Cindy Amrhein presented a lecture and discussion on the history of Native American land rights in WNY, talking about her most recent book.
The lecture and presentation was held at the Stafford Town Hall.
A complex and troubled history defines the borders of upstate New York beyond the physical boundaries of its rivers and lakes. The United States and the state were often deceptive in their territory negotiations with the Iroquois Six Nations.
Amidst the growing quest for more land among settlers and then fledgling Americans, the Indian nations attempted to maintain their autonomy. Yet, state land continued to encroach the Six Nations.
Local historian Cindy Amrhein takes a close and critical view of these transactions. Evidence of dubious deals, bribes, faulty surveys and coerced signatures may help explain why many of the Nations now feel they were cheated out of their territory.