Trump’s Lake Ontario Rename Sparks Indigenous Outcry | US News

President Trump’s controversial executive order to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America” has ignited a fierce backlash from the Seneca Nation, who argue it violates the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua—a sacred agreement affirming Indigenous sovereignty and perpetual friendship. President J. Conrad Seneca condemned the move as an erasure of history and culture, stressing that the treaty explicitly recognizes Lake Ontario as Haudenosaunee territory. While the U.S. claims ownership based on underwater boundaries, Canada and international bodies remain unaffected by the decree—prompting rebukes from both New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The name “Ontario,” rooted in Wendat meaning “lake of shining waters,” symbolizes deep Indigenous heritage, fueling calls to reverse the order and preserve the historic name amid growing cultural and legal tensions. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b93865536c86a2f7