St. Bonaventure University and Seneca Nation unveil land acknowledgment

By Sr. Eileen Connelly, OSU

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the bond of friendship with its neighbors in the Seneca Nation, St. Bonaventure University formally acknowledged for the first time “the stewards of the land” upon which the school was built almost 170 years ago. 

In a ceremony just before tipoff of the St. Bonaventure basketball game with George Washington University on Feb. 10, Br. Stephen Mimnaugh, OFM, vice president for mission integration, read a statement authored last year by representatives of the SBU and Seneca communities.  

The unveiling of the land acknowledgment statement is meaningful for both communities, noted Br. Stephen.  

“SBU is situated on land historically occupied by the Seneca Nation, and while their territory is miles away now, we have a long relationship with them,” Br. Stephen said.  

“We didn’t have a land acknowledgment, but most universities and colleges in New York State do, so we began doing some research,” he added. “It was very important that the language is warm and conveys the nature of our relationship. We turned to the Canticle of the Creatures for reference, along with language that has long been used in diplomatic agreements, and were sure to use metaphors that draw from both the Franciscan and Seneca traditions.”  

The statement reads: 

“With respect and contrition, we honor the Seneca Nation. 
Praised be You, our Creator, through our native friends. 

For generations, the Great Hill People and Keepers 
of the Western Door of the historic Haudenosaunee 
Confederacy have been the stewards of the land 
where St. Bonaventure University now resides. 

As we journey together, may we polish our covenant 
chain of friendship, in humility, reconciliation and peace.” 

Seneca Nation President JC Seneca and First Lady Nicole Seneca were joined at center court by SBU President Jeff Gingerich, who presented them with a framed print of the statement.  

“As I was reading it, I made eye contact with JC and the expression on his face was one of appreciation and warmth,” Br. Stephen said. “This is a significant development in our relationship, and the statement reflects who we are, who the Seneca Nation is and the meaning of our relationship.”  

Moving forward, the land acknowledgement statement will be read at significant academic and athletic events and displayed in a prominent place on campus, which is still to be determined.  

It is SBU’s first commitment to the Seneca Nation after the university and Senecas formed a committee last year to strengthen their friendship. 

Since 2021, the university has had a minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies; received a $147,000 National Endowment for the Humanities grant to bolster its relationship with the Seneca Nation; hosted several Native American cultural events; and recognized the student founders of SBU’s Indigenous Student Confederacy at a Bonnies game in November. 

St. Bonaventure University was founded by the Franciscan friars in 1858 and continues to be sponsored by the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe today.

A video of the ceremony is viewable below.