BUFFALO — Congressman Brian Higgins, Erie County Legislator Peter Savage and Buffalo Common Councilmember Joseph Golombek, Jr. were joined by members of the Black Rock Riverside Alliance and representatives from the Seneca Nation of Indians to unveil a new sign identifying Unity Island.
“This marker provides visitors with an appreciation of the unique history of the site and rightfully renames the Island as a place that unites us rather than divides us,” said Congressman Higgins.
“Often the best changes are those that are community-driven and collaborative in nature,” said Legislator Savage. “Local residents and organizations deserve the credit for initiating the effort for a Unity Island historical marker. We are pleased to work with fellow local representatives to help realize the community’s vision for this project.”
“We are very pleased to be here today to dedicate this new Unity Island Historic Marker,” said Doreen DeBoth, Black Rock Alliance Board Member and Chair of the Black Rock Historical Society. “This marks not only a significant name change of a location, but will begin to repair the damage of the island’s previous name that was disrespectful and racist towards Native and Seneca women. We shall now move forward in the history of Black Rock and Buffalo with renewed respect and pride.”
City of Buffalo North District Council Member Joseph Golombek, Jr. said, “Today we celebrate a victory for diversity and inclusion in Buffalo. The official name change to Unity Island, or Ga’nigo:i:yoh Island in the Seneca language, honors not only the Native American roots of the island itself, but also serves as a literal and symbolic demonstration of the unity that is reflected in this district. In the last year, Unity Island has served as a gathering place to celebrate the diversity of Buffalo. This name change to Unity Island has brought many vibrant, culturally diverse events to the North district. Specifically, this summer, the island was home to a pow pow-style event, several Burmese events, and a plethora of other all-inclusive events. The collaboration of the Seneca Nation and the North District has made this possible and will serve as a model for future support between Native Americans and the City of Buffalo.”
The island, previously known as Squaw Island, sits north of the Peace Bridge between the Black Rock Canal and the Niagara River and is home to Broderick Park at its southern end. Local citizens and the Seneca Nation of Indians advocated for the island to be renamed. In June of 2015 the Buffalo Common Council voted unanimously to change the name to Unity Island and shortly after the measure was ratified by City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.
“The effort to adopt the name Unity Island was an example of how people of different backgrounds can come together to end negative stereotypes, racial degradation, and egregious insults and, in its place, create an atmosphere of mutual respect,” said Seneca Nation President Maurice A. John, Sr. “The Seneca Nation has been honored to play a role in this effort, and this positive change by the people of Buffalo moves us closer to eliminating a NFL team in Washington D.C. use of a name and mascot that demeans Native people.”
“For generations, this prominent landmark in our own home carried a name of hatred and hurt toward our people,” added Seneca Nation President-elect Todd Gates. “At a time when tolerance, understanding, and respect are as important as ever before, our community has given a lesson in civility that others, both here and across the country, should follow. This isn’t the end, but it can be a starting point.”
Earlier this year Congressman Higgins, Legislator Savage and Councilman Golombek came together to support an effort by the Black Rock Riverside Alliance to appropriately mark the island’s new identity. The new sign was recently installed.
Currently underway is the final process of formally changing the name as it appears on the federal mapping system. The United States Board on Geographic Names, under the U.S. Department of Interior is proceeding with its process of transitioning federal geographic records to appropriately recognize the site as Unity Island.
Like to save money? Check out our All WNY Deals page.
All WNY is made possible thanks to coffee and sleep deprivation.
We appreciate your readership. We like money, too.
