Our Purpose
Seneca Holdings operates a diversified portfolio of businesses that provide financial and non-financial support to the Seneca Nation. We strive to honor the Seventh Generation Principle of the Seneca Nation in all that we do as a company and as individuals.
The Seventh Generation Principle comes from the Great Law of the Hodinöhsö:ni´ (Haudenosaunee) and is based on the Seneca philosophy that all decisions should be made with purpose to ensure a positive impact on the future seven generations. This principle applies to decisions about natural resources, the energy we use, and the way we build and maintain relationships.
“The thickness of your skin shall be seven spans… Look and listen for the welfare of the whole people and have always in view not only the present but also the coming generations, even those whose faces are yet beneath the surface of the ground – the unborn of the future Nation.”
– Great Law of the Haudenosaunee
The Seventh Generation Principle guides every decision we make and action we take.
- It is built into our businesses, such as Seneca Solar, whose mission it is to provide Earth healing energy sustainability alternatives.
- It informs how we strive to build sustainable, positive partnerships that bring long-lasting value to our customers and partners.
- It is why we live our core values of quality, teamwork, integrity, and professionalism every day, taking care of and valuing every team member.
We never forget that our mission is to serve and support the Seneca Nation.
A Deep Connection
Our connection with the Seneca Nation goes beyond financial support. We are grateful for the opportunities to provide direct services to the Seneca people, including affordable on-territory technology, event support and sponsorship, and educational and professional development opportunities.
- Fiber Network Project: We developed a fiber broadband network to the Cattaraugus Territory of the Seneca Nation that delivers high speeds and reliability at an affordable price to the homes and businesses on-territory.
- Annual Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow Sponsorship and Support: The powwow is a signature event located on the Allegany Territory for the Seneca people, friends, and neighbors locally, as well as across the country. This annual event honors Native American veterans and is named in honor of Marvin “Joe” Curry, a member of the Seneca Nation’s Snipe clan, who led a distinguished career of military service in the U.S. Navy. We are proud to support the continuation of and participate in this cherished event.
- Internships and Professional Development Opportunities: We partner with on-territory programs to provide professional development training sessions to high school and college interns, addressing financial literacy, team building, leadership, public speaking, and professional writing. These skills are indispensable to those entering the workforce, and we are eager to help train and develop the next generation of leaders. Additionally, we are honored to provide Seneca higher education students paid internships in the areas of finance, marketing, human resources, IT, and more.
About the Seneca Nation
With a proud and rich history, the Seneca Nation is a sovereign Nation located on their aboriginal lands in Western New York. Currently, the Seneca Nation community has over 8,500 enrolled members and holds title to five territories. Once a member of the Hodinöhsö:ni´ (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy, as the westmost of the Six Nations the Seneca Nation earned the responsibility as “Keeper of the Western Door,” ensuring the peace and tranquility along the western boundaries of their lands. The Seneca Nation continues that obligation by sustaining its Nation-to-Nation relationship with the United States of America and New York State.
The Seneca are also known as O-non-dowa-gah, (pronounced: Oh-n’own-dough-wahgah) or the “Great Hill People,” who historically occupied territory throughout the Finger Lakes area in Central New York, and in the Genesee Valley in Western New York, living in longhouses on the riversides. Agriculture was heavily relied on for food, including growing the Three Sisters: corn, beans, and squash, or Deohako, (pronounced: Jo- hay- ko) “the life supporters.” In addition to raising crops, the early Seneca were also subsistence hunters and fishers.
Senecas were also renowned for their sophisticated skills in diplomacy and oratory. Seneca culture and values remain strong and intact. Language, song, art, dance, and sports are all vital aspects of Seneca culture. The vibrancy of the rich Seneca heritage is evident in the ongoing ceremonies, practices, and cultural events that are infused with dance, music, song, arts, crafts, and traditional foods that honor and celebrate Seneca culture.
For more information on the Seneca Nation and its rich history, visit sni.org.