A Note on Our Name

Seneca Family of Agencies was founded in 1985 with the mission to help children and families through the most difficult times of their lives. When our organization was established, our founders chose the name “Seneca,” inspired by their belief that the Seneca Nation of Indians cherished and nurtured its children—a value that resonated deeply with our mission. However, while this name was adopted with positive intent, it was appropriated without permission or consultation from the Seneca Nation of Indians, one of the original members of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy).

We understand that using the name of the Seneca Nation — a sovereign Indigenous people with a rich cultural heritage and enduring strength — without proper context or relationship contributes to a long legacy of erasure and cultural appropriation that Indigenous communities have experienced for centuries.

Apologies, while necessary, are not enough. Our continued use of the Seneca name carries with it a responsibility — one that calls us to action, humility, and sustained commitment. As part of our effort to move from harm toward accountability and repair, we maintain the following commitments:

• Annual donations to the Seneca Nation of Indians and to Indigenous-led organizations and Tribes on the West Coast, including those in California and Washington, whose communities are part of the regions we serve.
• Offering education and training for our staff to understand the histories, strengths, and contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples.
• Providing culturally responsive services for the Native and Indigenous youth and families enrolled in our programs, with the goal of offering care that is not only trauma-informed, but also respectful and honoring of Native identities, traditions, and sovereignty.

Our name will continue to be a reminder of our responsibility. We will use it to continually reflect on our commitments, our relationships, and our duty to uplift the voices and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. This is an ongoing and ever-evolving journey. We invite accountability, feedback, and connection as we strive to move from words to action with humility and integrity.