February 7, 2024 Update: The Preservation Commission has approved the local landmark and now it moves to the Niagara Falls City Council for a decision. Thank you to over 1100 people who signed our letter of support (see map below) and to the hundreds of people who showed up to speak in person about the history, stories, memories, and events that happened here and how much potential it has for future generations. Once we have the meeting date, we will let you know. It should be early March 2024.
You can read an update here: https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/local_news/local-landmark-application-okd-for-turtle-building/article_f4810d8e-c150-11ee-99f8-cbd5fffbf3b1.html
The Turtle currently sits vacant and is owned by an out-of-town owner. We are trying to secure a Local Landmark designation to add an additional layer of protection for its future. You can support our strong technical aid to the Niagara Falls Historic Preservation Commission in this local landmark effort by signing the letter in the link below!
The Turtle was built in 1977 as a cultural and educational center for the Native American community in Niagara Falls. Designed by Northern Arapaho architect Dennis Sun Rhodes, the center opened in 1981 as the Native American Center for the Living Arts. The building’s design was inspired by the Haudenosaunee legend of the Great Turtle, who carried the earth on its back after a great flood. The 67,000-square-foot building features a circular shape, a domed roof, and a turtle-shaped entrance. The building’s interior features a circular auditorium that can seat up to 500 people, along with ample exhibit space that once showcased the diversity and heritage of the Native American nations.
The Turtle is one of the few remaining examples of Native American architecture in Niagara Falls and a rare example of zoomorphic architecture in Western New York. It reflects the cultural values and artistic vision of the Native American people who created it. It also represents a significant period in the history of Niagara Falls, when the city was undergoing urban renewal and trying to attract tourists and visitors with new attractions and amenities.
Yes save the Turtle my life was in there I made a godsend when I was 14 I would love to have it come to life bring more social dancing where the Natives can do there thing we want it to be open again
This was a part of my childhood it gave a place for indigenous families to gather. It was a great place to grow up and pride of cultural and landscapes.
This is more than just a building is a fight to secure place and culture.
Please help preserve the building because it’s unique, inspiring, and fun.
Sekon , Niawen kowa for your continued fight to preserve such a beautiful building. this is a MUST SAVE and even to revisit bringing it back to life as an option.
Please do something positive with this building!
Restore this building for the native people of this world. Our meeting place to bring the next generation is important to us.
Many memories with family dancing g and singing family and friends
I was just a baby but I have fond memories of the Turtle. The powwow was the best, the smell as soon as you walk in! Also my sisters and I took language class at the turtle with our Elder Elwood Greene I believe his name was. This building not only represents our people but represents a million memories for all my people in this area, it represents so much more then “just a building” this turtle is nostalgia, and please save the turtle! I want my children to experience the turtle, I have always said along with my family, if we ever won the lottery we would buy the turtle and restore it! So please save the turtle!!!
Please preserve, The turtle!” It’s the only landmark we, the haudenosaunee, will have there.
Please do not demolish or sell this building. It should be preserved and updated as a it is a very unique structure, is historically relevant especially to the First Nation people and can be used/
Enjoyed for decades to come
Chief Parker “you won’t find places like this when you grow up” >>>TRUTH! SAVE THIS PLACE!
Please preserve the Turtle! The Turtle is a cultural and educational representation of Native American communities.