List of Indian reservations in New York facts for kids
A Native American reservation is a piece of land set aside by the United States government for the use and benefit of specific Native American tribes. These lands are considered sovereign, meaning the tribes have the right to govern themselves and make their own laws within their borders. Reservations are vital places where Native American people live, work, and preserve their heritage for future generations. They are places of cultural importance and community life.
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Native American Homelands Active Today
New York State is home to several active Native American reservations. Each one is a vibrant community with its own history and people. Let's explore some of these important areas across different regions of New York.
Western New York Communities
- Allegany Reservation is located mainly in Cattaraugus County. This reservation covers about 43.7 square miles (113.2 km²). It is home to over 6,600 people, according to 2020 information.
- Cattaraugus Reservation spans parts of Erie County, Cattaraugus County, and Chautauqua County. It is about 34.4 square miles (89.1 km²) in size. This community has a population of around 2,676 residents.
- Oil Springs Reservation is found in Cattaraugus County and Allegany County. It is a smaller reservation, covering about 0.96 square miles (2.5 km²). About 20 people live here.
- Tonawanda Reservation is located across Genesee County, Erie County, and Niagara County. This reservation is about 0.80 square miles (2.1 km²). It is home to approximately 261 people.
- Tuscarora Reservation is in Niagara County. It covers about 9.1 square miles (23.6 km²). The population here is around 1,145 people.
Central New York Communities
- Onondaga Reservation is situated in Onondaga County. This reservation is about 9.3 square miles (24.1 km²) in area. It has a population of about 832 residents.
North Country Communities
- St. Regis Mohawk Reservation is located in Franklin County. This reservation spans about 18.9 square miles (48.9 km²). It is home to approximately 3,663 people.
Long Island Communities
- Poospatuck Reservation is found in Suffolk County. It is a smaller reservation, covering about 0.17 square miles (0.44 km²). About 436 people live in this community.
- Shinnecock Reservation is also in Suffolk County. This reservation is about 1.3 square miles (3.4 km²) in size. It has a population of around 819 residents.
Native American Reservations of the Past
Throughout history, the boundaries and designations of Native American lands have sometimes changed. Some areas that were once recognized as reservations are no longer active today.
The Buffalo Creek Reservation
The Buffalo Creek Reservation was once located in Erie County. This reservation covered about 78 square miles (202 km²). In 1837, the land was no longer set aside as a reservation. The people of the Buffalo Creek community moved to other areas. This change was part of a larger historical period when many Native American lands were reorganized.
