Seneca Nation President J. Conrad “JC” Seneca welcomes New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) to tribal territory on May 20, 2025.

Hochul’s appearance on the Cattaraugus Reservation marks the first time a sitting governor has visited the Seneca Nation.

During her visit, Hochul met with tribal leaders and survivors of the Thomas Indian School. The school was operated by the state on Cattaraugus Reservation from 1875 to 1957.

Hochul offered an apology on behalf of the state for the operation of the school.