Došo:wëh: Seneca History of Buffalo Downtown Walking Tour 1:30pm

Došo:wëh is the name for Buffalo in the language of the Onödowa’ga:’ or Seneca people, who have called Western New York home for generations – long before the arrival of Europeans. This new walking tour explores the longstanding and ongoing presence of Indigenous Peoples in Buffalo, with attention to the histories, contributions, and enduring legacies of the Haudenosaunee throughout the region. 

Topics include the role of the Haudenosaunee in regional history, their involvement in major conflicts such as the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, influential leaders including Red Jacket, and the lasting impact of the Senecas on the land, culture, and civic life of Buffalo and Western New York.

We are indebted to Melissa Parker Leonard for her guidance in developing this tour. Melissa is the founder of 7th Gen Cultural Resources and an educator, researcher, and advocate committed to preserving and sharing the history and heritage of Indigenous Peoples, particularly the Senecas, whose stories are at the heart of this tour. 

This tour meets in the lobby of 40 Fountain Plaza near Prova. Enter the building through the revolving doors and immediately turn right to meet at the long table in the lobby. 40 Fountain Plaza and Prova are adjacent to the Rotary Rink reflecting pool. Fountain Plaza is located on Main Street between Huron and Chippewa Streets. Metered street parking is available along Main Street and other nearby streets. The closest parking ramp is the Augspurger Ramp at Huron and Pearl Streets. The Fountain Plaza Metro Rail station is on Main Street outside Fountain Plaza. This tour is approximately one hour 45 minutes in length and 1.3 miles of walking. 

Tour Procedures & Policies: 

• Reservations are required for all tours, including for Explorer Pass members. Walk-ups without reservations cannot be accommodated. Tours are generally limited to a maximum of 18 people per group. 
  • Reservations close two hours before the tour’s scheduled start time (for example, reservations close at 8am for a 10am tour). 
  • To redeem an orange Explore Buffalo walking tour pass, please email explore@explorebuffalo.org at least 24 hours in advance to reserve your tour. 
  • The Explore Buffalo docent for your tour will have a list of tour reservations for their tour; you do not need to print or bring any tour confirmation. 
• Accessibility: Please contact us at explore@explorebuffalo.org or (716) 245-3032 if you plan to attend this tour and will require accommodations or if you have questions about accessibility. 
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Tours generally proceed rain or shine. In the event of weather that requires a tour cancellation, we will contact registered tour guests in advance of the tour. 
• See our FAQs page for our refund policy and answers to other questions.
• By confirming your reservation for any Explore Buffalo tour, you acknowledge and accept Explore Buffalo’s tour policies.