George Heron facts for kids

George D. Heron (born February 22, 1919 – died May 26, 2011) was an important leader of the Seneca Nation of Indians. He served as their president from 1958 to 1960 and again from 1962 to 1964. Heron is best known for leading the Seneca people against the building of the Kinzua Dam. He also helped his community move and resettle after the dam was built.

Heron was a respected historian of his tribe. He was also a skilled speaker and teacher of the Seneca language. He worked closely with William N. Fenton, a scientist who studied the Seneca and Iroquois people. Heron was a member of the New Deal Party, a political group within the Seneca Nation.

George Heron's Life and Work

George D. Heron was born in 1919 on the reservation of the Seneca Nation of New York. When he was young, Heron joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. This group helped young men find work during the Great Depression. He cut trees and built cabins, bridges, and roads at Allegany State Park. Many of these structures are still used today.

Heron joined the United States Navy in November 1941. He served until 1945, during World War II. He became a pharmacist mate first class. He was part of the Navy's Amphibious Forces. This meant he served in campaigns in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific.

Leading the Seneca Nation

Heron was president of the Seneca Nation of New York for two terms. These were from 1958 to 1960 and from 1962 to 1964. During this time, the Seneca people strongly opposed the building of the Kinzua Dam. This was a big federal project planned for flood control and to make electricity.

Heron played a key role in trying to stop the dam. He wanted the U.S. government to use a different plan. This plan would have put the dam in another place. He traveled to Washington D.C. many times to speak about this. President John F. Kennedy even promised to help, but it was not enough.

Sadly, 700 members of the Seneca Nation had to leave their homes. About 10,000 acres of their good farmland were taken for the Kinzua Dam project. This changed their way of life forever.

Resettlement and Community Work

After the dam was built, Heron led the tribe's efforts to move. He oversaw the building of two new communities. These were Jimersontown and Steamburg. The tribe used money they received after their land was taken for the dam. This included land in Coldspring and a large part of their reservation.

Heron also served the tribe as treasurer and as a councillor.

Women's Voting Rights

During Heron's second term as president, women in the Seneca Nation gained the right to vote. Before this, only men could vote in Seneca elections. Heron supported giving women the right to vote. He believed it was important for the tribe to be fair and strong.

Other Contributions

George Heron was involved in many other important groups. He was on the board of directors for the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum. He also represented the Seneca Nation to the New York State Department of Aging. He was a leader of the Iroquois Agricultural Society. Heron was also on the executive board of the National Congress of American Indians. He was an elder at the Jimersontown Presbyterian Church.

He was friends with important people like anthropologist William N. Fenton and State Senator Catharine M. Young. Heron also worked as an Ironworker for Local #6 in Buffalo, New York. He retired from this job in 1981.

Heron was also known for his special "Ga Ga Hut" pinto type pole bean variety. These beans have been sold as heirloom seeds. Some of his special seed corn was given to Cornell University for safekeeping.

George Heron passed away on May 26, 2011, at the age of 92.

Awards

New York Medal for Merit (April 2010)