From memory, Seneca comes from the Dutch-adopted, I believe from the Mohicans, word Sineca or "next people." It meant for a time the Oneida/Onyota'a:ka, and later each successive member of the Haudenosaunee westward as the Dutch identified them. The Onödowáʼga being the westernmost, the "Seneca" name stuck and was handed to the British when they took New Netherlands from the Dutch and renamed the province New York.
If I was really good I'd have the reference on hand (it may be on one of the Onondowaga Nation sites). I'll see what I can do, but it may be a while.
A most interesting piece! I certainly had no idea that New York was a site for tobacco production.
Fascinating indeed
Absolutely fascinating. Great stuff Kate!
From memory, Seneca comes from the Dutch-adopted, I believe from the Mohicans, word Sineca or "next people." It meant for a time the Oneida/Onyota'a:ka, and later each successive member of the Haudenosaunee westward as the Dutch identified them. The Onödowáʼga being the westernmost, the "Seneca" name stuck and was handed to the British when they took New Netherlands from the Dutch and renamed the province New York.
If I was really good I'd have the reference on hand (it may be on one of the Onondowaga Nation sites). I'll see what I can do, but it may be a while.