I was searching for some information, when I came across a website about Tonawanda.  The information is rather brief and a bit outdated, but I enjoyed seeing a picture of the original community building.  It also provides geographical information as to the reserve's location.

The information touches on the fact that our reserve was purchased from the Ogden Land Company. Tonawanda is the only one in the confederacy where the land is deeded to the people.  On one hand, it's good to know the land is ours and the government can never take it away; but on the other, it means we must find our own way to develop the infrastructure.

The roads are maintained by the state, but everything else must be maintained by the people which is why our reserve is in such a state of poverty.  There are still homes without water or electricity.

What people don't understand is getting a bank loan for home construction is impossible because banks can't hold land as collateral.  The info provided regarding some of the home businesses have changed since the writing of the post.

Over the years, several of the family owned smoke shops have grown into multi-million dollar businesses: capitalism at its best.  Recently, some of the merchants have begun stepping in to help local homeowners with their housing needs.