BUFFALO, N.Y. – President Barry E. Snyder Sr. and members of the Seneca Nation of Indians opened the William Seneca Administration Building on the Cattaraugus territory, a $15 million expansion and renovation project that was completed in 15 months.

“This building is not just a place of employment and gathering for our people, it is a window into our past, future and a testament that we as a nation continue to grow,” said Seneca Nation President Barry E. Snyder Sr. “The primary design elements are based upon the iconic Tree of Peace, which brought the original five Iroquois Nations together in peace, unity and friendship.”

Buffalo-based architects, Carmina, Wood & Morris PC, incorporated traditional Seneca elements in their building design, along with aboriginal terrain in the landscaping. The structure now totals 45,000 square feet expanded from its original 18,000 square feet.

“The primary focal point of the building’s exterior is the Tree of Peace which includes the use of two massive steel trusses that form the trees branches and the use of multi-colored glass which represents the canopy of the tree,” said principal architect Steve Carmina. “The shape of the building, which is curvilinear, also represents the ebb and flow of the rivers. All the exterior and interior materials are indicative of Seneca culture.”

Other feature architectural elements include stone which represents the nation’s foundation of using natural occurring materials given by the earth, the cladding throughout the Council Chambers is reminiscent of a basket weave and a single feather represents the Seneca Nation as a member of the Six Nations.

The original building was dedicated to William Seneca in the 1970s. Seneca served as the treasurer of the Seneca Nation from 1966-68 and went on to win the nation’s presidency from 1968-70. He was re-elected as treasurer in 1970 but resigned in January of 1971 to take a BIA post where he served as the Eastern Region Indian Liaison Officer until 1984. William passed away in 1984 at the age of 57, and is survived by three children. Both of William’s sons, Kevin and JC, have carried on his legacy of serving the nation as council officials.

“I want to commend all of the folks involved in this project, from council leadership and employees to the Seneca Construction Management team, the Capital Improvement Authority, and all of the architects and construction workers on the project,” said JC Seneca, SNI councilor. “Thanks are due to many people who made this happen. On behalf of my family, we’d like to thank everyone for this proud testament to our father.”

The Seneca Nation’s Capital Improvements Authority played an integral role in securing funding for the project. The CIA is responsible for acquiring, constructing, financing, operating and maintaining public improvements for the nation. No public funds were acquired or used for completion of the new William Seneca building project. The CIA also recently completed a $30 million new administration building for the Senecas on the Allegany Territory.

Both the Cattaraugus and Allegany Administration offices provide essential services to all members of the Seneca Nation of Indians.