Elder Spotlight Special: Remember the Removal

60 years ago 146 homeowners were removed from their homes. 60 years ago 10,000 acres of fertile Seneca land was lost to the ‘progression’ of Pittsburgh. 40 years ago it was declared that the last Saturday in September will be known as Remember the Removal: Never Again Day.

This past Saturday the 28th of September 2024 we Commemorated 60 years of healing, but never forgetting in mission to “Honor the Past, Claim the Future!” Matching in theme to this year’s mission this post seeks to honor the memories of our Elders by featuring those still with us in this Special Edition of our Elder Spotlight series.

This year most of the head of households and families who experienced the 1964 replacement are sadly no longer with us. However, many second generation Senecas and younger generations still gathered together to heal in their honor.

Four of these second generation Seneca community members voiced their stories. We thank Becky Bowen, Tyler Heron, Mike Crouse, and Rod Pierce for their courage in helping us remember so we can claim the future, ensuring such heartbreak does not occur again.

Becky and Tyler were former Jöë‛ hesta‛ (Red House) residents. Mike and Ron were both from Ganöndagayoshë’ge:h (Onoville).

At the 6oth celebration we were fortunate enough to honor the three surviving families of the 146 who were displaced. Each Family was presented with a beautiful beadwork frame commemorating the 2024 RTR (Remember the Removal) 60th anniversary.

The three families were determined by the head of the household during the 1964 removal still being with us here today. These individuals include: Rovena Abrams, Carolyn Brant, and Bennett Wheeler, Jr. We thank these Elders and their families for their resilience and pursuit of healing.

Rovena was a Jöë‛ hesta‛ (Red House) resident, Carolyn was a Ganöndagayoshë’ge:h (Onoville) resident, and Bennett was Ha’deyoya:ya’kdöh (Quaker Bridge) resident. To learn more about their hometowns and the other territories that now sit under water, we recommend the book- Along the Ohi:yo’. 60th Commemoration Along the Ohiyo’ Books are now available for you to purchase in our museum shop. With your purchase you help us “Honor our Past, and Claim Our Future!”