Executive Messages & News

Feature President

A Message from President J.C. Seneca

Heyhey Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’, Welcome to our first newsletter of 2026! I hope everyone had a nice New Year celebration and is ready for a great year ahead. For our Seneca Nation government, advocacy will continue to be a key focus this year. For me, that starts here at home. I want to thank everyone who […]

Sports

The Late Noah Snyder Honored at Gil Lay Arena

A moment of silence was held for the late and great; Noah Snyder on day 1 of the 2026 Battle of the Boarders Jr lacrosse tournament. We had the honor to have Noah’s mother, Amanda, and 2 sisters in attendance. Noah played for our Seneca Marksmen Jr team on numerous occasions. Noah was always a […]

Sports

Newtown Novice Greeted By Alumni Ron John #33

Repost from Newtown Minor Lacrosse | 1/3/26 Newtown Novice was greeted by alumni Ron John #33 while waiting to go out on the field for their halftime play at the Buffalo Bandits Game, along with the rest of the team!

Hayden Haynes Unveils Snipe Clan Portrait and Bone Comb

Repost from Hayden Haynes We’re excited to share the 3rd highlight of the ongoing photo series that honors the 8 Seneca women that are the Name-Holders for each of the 8 Seneca clans of Ohi:yo’, “Beautiful River” (a.k.a. Seneca-Allegany Territory). The title of the series is Howödihsënöwis (She names them). Rhonda Brooks George b. July 16, 1957 in Gowanda, NY, is the Name-Holder for the Snipe Clan. According to Rhonda, her name is Awigë’oh (no meaning), she was told it was just a name. Her daughter Rae Lynn George’s name is Jowäno’ (something cold over there). They both received their names from

Major Motion Picture Casting Opportunity!

Casting Buffalo is seeking members of Indigenous Nations in the WNY area for extras in a feature film. See flyer below for complete details. For any questions, and to apply, please email: network@castingbuffalo.com with subject line: Indigenous Talent.

Original People’s Podcast Season 4 Drops

For those of you following along the Original Peoples Podcast is entering it's 4th season! Original Peoples Podcast is an Indigenous Peoples Podcast highlighting the lives of contemporary Indigenous People and the lives they live, produced by Ansley Jemison, Seneca, Wolf Clan. Six Nations Investigating Paranormal Experiences (SNIPE) w/ Jay Smith (Six Nations Mohawk, Turtle Clan) Artie Aríhwaiens Martin (Six Nations Mohawk, Bear Clan) Six Nations Investigating Paranormal Encounters (SNIPE) takes an indigenous approach to beliefs about the paranormal, history of accounts, and anomalous phenomena. In this Episode Jemison speaks with two members of the SNIPE team, Jay Smith (Six Nations Mohawk, Turtle Clan)

Iroquois Genealogy Society Update

At the December meeting of the Iroquois Genealogy Society (IGS) the current officers were re-elected. Therefore, Leatha Jimerson continues as President; Marilyn Anderson continues as Vice-President/Secretary and Teresa Van Aernam continues as Treasurer. It was also decided that the focus of our meetings is going to be discussion/history oriented along with various presentations. The first meeting of the new year will be March 12 in Allegany. The exact time and location will be announced. During the next few weeks the 2026 schedule will be confirmed and publicized. What is genealogy? The dictionary defines it as “a record or account of the

A Public Service Announcement from Ruby Renaldo on Behalf of Amethyst Rae

On September 3rd 2025, my daughter Amethyst Rae Renaldo Lockett started her journey to spirit world after a month long battle in the hospital fighting a sickness so hard to overcome. I’d like to thank everyone in the community who came together and helped me give “ Ammy “ a proper farewell. From donating food, comforting hugs, meaningful talks, & most importantly your presence during that difficult time. To Paula for making her a beautiful traditional dress as she starts her new journey with her ancestors.Thanks you, she’ll forever be dancing alongside her sister as well. The Family of Amethyst Rae Renaldo

Springville-Griffith Institute Seventh Graders Experienced Native American Culture Day

Repost from Springville-Griffith Institute | 1/6/26 Recently, seventh graders experienced Seneca culture firsthand during our annual Native American Culture Day, led by representatives of the Seneca Nation. Students rotated through interactive stations featuring corn husk doll-making and storytelling, Seneca instruments and traditional regalia, and cultural items and games — including learning about the history and importance of lacrosse. The day also highlighted the power of oral tradition and how stories carry teachings, values, and history across generations. Thank you to our Seneca Nation partners and Mr. Karb for organizing this learning experience for our students!

Silver Creek Central School District Students Make Their Own Ribbon Shirts

Silver Creek Central School District | December 26, 2025 Cash LeRoy and Johnathan Seneca from Miss Tahamont’s Seneca 4 class, took part in a meaningful hands-on project: making their own ribbon shirts. Throughout the process, students learned how to read and follow a sewing pattern, design their shirts using ribbons, and develop practical skills such as sewing cuffs and collars and safely using an iron to finish their work. The project challenged students to be patient and creative. One student shared that “every shirt is unique,” highlighting how personal design choices and careful craftsmanship made each piece special. Another student reflected that

The Native American Education Program

Repost from Silver Creek Central School District | December 30, 2025 The Native American Education Program took a field trip to the Buffalo History Museum this month. Students got a full tour and then met with Evin Schwartz from Beluga. Students were then grouped randomly to discuss what they learned, why it matters, and how that can be turned into a project. Students had brilliant ideas such as more multimedia use, student created exhibits, living history exhibits featuring living people, modern Indigenous history, and so much more. The groups will reconvene in the Spring after some work is done to determine next steps

University of Buffalo Department of Indigenous Studies to Host 16th Storytellers Conference

The 2026 Storytellers Conference highlights research and educational initiatives that promote storytelling as Indigenous means of connecting across territories and to each other. Storytelling takes many forms: art, data, digital media, and orally in diverse languages. They provide the tools, insights, and meanings we need to thrive as Indigenous communities. This year we focus on language as Life Breath — a means of carrying one through the hardest of times, providing Indigenous joy, nurturing creativity, and welcoming others into a space of critical and supportive thinking. We are excited to gather to listen and learn about projects centering Indigenous Life Breath

Rez Kids Closet

RKC is a Community Thrift Pop Up hosted by the Stevens Sisters, friends, family, and other community members. We look to collect "NOTHING LESS THAN ACE" items by community FOR community. KIDS ALWAYS SHOP FOR FREE! Your Rez kid in need of some indigenous wear or want to come swap in sizes? We have a few options but are encouraging the trade system to keep this option available unless they don’t have anything & need one for upcoming events (like LH or to represent in schools). Our youth sizes have plenty of stuff coming in and going out to them little rezzers! Bring

Survivor Voices: Lightening the Path for Others

Are You a Haudenosaunee Cancer Survivor? Do you want to share your story? Survivor Voices: Lightening the Path for OthersYour journey can inspire hope and healing in others. We're collecting stories from Haudenosaunee cancer survivors to build a community of strength, resilience, and shared wisdom. Contact the confidential and direct line to Dr. Tricia Numan, Gynecologic Pathologist at 716-845-1300 ext. 7964 or Tricia.Numana@RoswellPark.org.

News From The Four Corners United Methodist Church

Rte. 438 and Versailles Plank Road, Cattaraugus Territory | PO Box 182, Versailles, NY 14168Sunday Worship Service – 9 a.m. Happy 2026!! The new year will bring us challenges and opportunities for growth – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This year add – renew my spiritual life. You will be surprised at what a difference faith can make in your life. “Behold I make all things new” (Revelations 21:5). Let’s continue the love and friendship that we experienced during the holidays. Please pray for our communities: those who are affected by illnesses, those who are experiencing mental health problems, those who are

Dr. Rodney Haring Addresses Imaging Disparities in American Indian & Alaska Native Communities

Dr. Rodney Haring, Ph.D, from the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Department of Indigenous Cancer Health recently spoke with The Radiological Society of North America & research on the disparties in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Can you explain how tribal institutional review boards and tribal tribal sovereignty shape the research process and why these safeguards are essential? The conversations around research and the ethical practices of research with native nations or tribes is important because the history of research hasn’t always been beneficial to native people or native tribes. Native Americans are not only a racial or ethnic category in

Paid Internship Opportunity!

The Department of Indigenous Cancer Health is seeking candidates for the 2026 Haudenosaunee Summer College Paid Internship at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center! This program is designed for rising juniors and seniors enrolled in an accredited college or university. It offers hands-on experience, housing, and a stipend. The application deadline is March 31, 2026. To help reach as many students as possible, we invite you to share this opportunity. Program Dates: June 1 - August 7, 2026 (10 week program) Applicants can scan the QR code on the graphic or click HERE to apply! For any questions or more info, email indigenouscancerhealth@roswell.org or call 716-845-5814.

Land for Sale!

On the Allegany Territory 7.7 acres of woodland & partial hillside, near Carrollton within the Allegany Territory for $40,000. Serious inquires can call or text Kira Bloxsom (585) 307-4097.