Treaty of Canandaigua

The Treaty of Canandaigua, signed in 1794 between the United States and the Seneca Nation, aimed to establish peace and define boundaries following conflicts over land and sovereignty. This agreement recognized the rights of the Seneca and other Iroquois Confederacy tribes, affirming their land claims in New York. It also promised U.S. protection for the tribes against encroachments and established provisions for trade and coexistence. The treaty is significant as it is one of the early formal agreements between the U.S. government and Native American nations, highlighting ongoing issues of land rights and respect for tribal sovereignty.