2026 RBERN West Legacy Award Goes To Andrea Cooke!

Repost from Salamanca CSD Native Programming & Services Our very own Andrea Cooke is the 2026 RBERN West Legacy Award recipient. Andrea is a Native American Instructional Coach in the Salamanca City School District and serves on the Native American Curriculum Team. Andrea has more than 30 years of experience teaching Seneca language and culture. She is known for her dedication to her students and for supporting fellow educators in teaching Indigenous language and culture. Her work helps sustain and honor the traditions and identities of Indigenous communities.

Thompson Enters Experiment into Science Fair

On Wednesday, April 29, the J. T. Waugh Elementary School in the Lake Shore school district hosted their annual Science Fair. About 30 students in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade participated with experiments, demonstrations and exhibits. Zayda Thompson, second grade, was the only participant from the Cattaraugus Territory community to participate. Her science experiment, "How To Make a Lava Lamp," demonstrated two key science concepts. One is density (it shows how the weight between water and oil interact as separate weights). The second concept is the chemical reaction between two substances, water and gas, how they interact. Zayda said she wanted to

Miles J. Thompson Obituary

Miles Joshua Thompson Jr. “Gint” Miles, of New Berlin, Wisconsin, passed away on March 30, 2026, at the age of 75, surrounded by his wife, Kathryn, and their children, Meredith, Lauren, Blair, and Dallas, as well as his sons-in-law, Sam, Mike, and Evan. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, uncle, and friend, and he will be greatly missed by all. Miles was born on February 19, 1951, in Syracuse, New York, to Miles and Veronica Thompson. He spent his childhood years between Syracuse and Salamanca, New York, with his siblings Mitch, Marlene “Molly,” Marilyn, Marsha, Michelle, Monica “Yuk,” and

Students to Receive Seal of Biliteracy

Five Seneca 5 Students Are The First At Lake Shore Central School To Receive The Seal of Biliteracy Repost from Seneca Ed | May 11, 2026 Five Seneca 5 students are the first at Lake Shore Central School to receive the Seal of Biliteracy. We are very proud to honor: Layla Jimerson-Snyder (Wënitši:yoh) Beaver ClanKyrie Buffalo (Gasge:ha’) Turtle ClanKate Kennedy (Yewaseta’) Hawk ClanPayton Stevens (Owë’gegëön) Turtle ClanCaias John (O’tadeswi:ya’k) Turtle Clan Each of these recipients are active members in our community, as well as in school; From Student Government, Homecoming Court, Business Academy, and three season athletes. Each of them has committed to secondary

The Original People’s Podcast

The Original Peoples Podcast is “Podcasting through an Indigenous Lens, sharing stories and culture through Indigenous People, reminding our neighbors that we as a people are still here today. We have been here since the beginning and throughout, despite the challenges and Cultural Genocide inflicted upon the Original People. We are not relegated to history books, we are contemporary, we are real and we are knowledgeable. I want to introduce you to cool Native People.” The Podcast is produced by Ansley Jemison. Recently he covered the Hodinöhsö:ni’ Juried Art Show (Wednesday - Saturday | April 8 - 11, 2026) This year’s

Seneca Nation Joins West Valley for Sunrise Ceremony, Walk on Earth Day

Reposted from Office of Environmental Management | May 5, 2026 Pictured above: A Seneca Nation of Indians local grassroots group, the Cattaraugus Creek Water Walkerz, marked Earth Day at the West Valley Demonstration Project and raised awareness about protecting the creek watershed. WEST VALLEY, N.Y. — A Seneca Nation of Indians local grassroots group, the Cattaraugus Creek Water Walkerz, marked Earth Day at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) and raised awareness about protecting the creek watershed. Kicking off the day’s events at the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management site is fitting given West Valley’s mission to reduce environmental risks

A Flash From The Past

Photographs from the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum Collection These are photographs from the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum collection that have unknown members of the community. We are looking to identify them. Please reach out to Elissa Parker of the Seneca Nation Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center at (716) 682-0021 or email e.parker@sni.org with any information.

Cashis Montour was inducted into CAM P-TECH Chapter of National Honor Society

Repost from Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES | April 30, 2026 Cashis Montour of Gowanda was recently inducted into the CAM P-TECH chapter of the National Honor Society. Montour is in the Electrical Construction & Maintenance Electrician pathway. The induction ceremony featured a traditional candle lighting led by student representatives: Scholarship: Jeramie KlahnService: Rachael FixLeadership: Declan AhrensCharacter: Cashis Montour Principal Heather Banks provided opening and closing remarks, noting that NHS members exemplify outstanding academic achievement while also demonstrating a strong commitment to their school and community. The National Honor Society recognizes high school students in grades 10–12 for excellence in scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Congratulations, Cashis, on

National Decision Day!

Salamanca City Central School District | May 1, 2026 On May 1, 2026, we celebrated some of our amazing senior members as they take the next big step in their journeys! From college campuses to career pathways, each decision reflects hard work, growth, and exciting futures ahead. Charli Ross announced her decision to attend West Virginia University! We loved seeing everyone proudly repping their college apparel and sharing their post-secondary plans—your dedication and ambition inspire us all! No matter the path you’ve chosen, we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish. The future is bright!

Cayelle John named Kiwanis Terrific Kid of the Month

Repost from Salamanca City Central School District | May 10, 2026 For the month of April, Kiwanis recognized a 3rd grader as our TERRIFIC kid. Cayelle John from Ms. Klusek’s classroom was nominated for her take charge attitude when it comes to helping out. During snack time for Prospect’s power hour program, Cayelle noticed that there was a lot of food and wrappers on the floor. She asked if she could get a broom and dustpan to help clean it all up. Then on another day during art class, she noticed a pile of pencil shavings on the floor. Again, without being

Tradition in the Making at Lake Shore Senior High

Repost from Lake Shore High School | May 11, 2026 Our students recently had a special opportunity to learn the intricate art of traditional Iroquois raised beadwork. Led by the talented mother and daughter team of Mary and Samantha Jacobs, this workshop focused on more than just technique. It was a chance for our students to connect with Seneca culture and history while creating something truly meaningful. Each student worked with care to craft beautiful beading for Mother’s Day pins. These handmade pieces represent the hours spent learning from the Jacobs family, who have dedicated themselves to sharing their heritage through education

Celebrating Excellence at Salamanca High School!

Repost from Salamanca City Central School District | May 4,2026 It is with great pride that we announce the Top 10 students of the Class of 2026! Over the past four-plus years, these outstanding individuals have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to academic excellence. This achievement is truly well-deserved, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate their success. Please join us in congratulating our Top 10 students: Owen KranockHadleigh KrugCharli RossKyleigh RohwerAnne Marie RozlerJesse HillSophia HodaraMakenzie CrouseSalutatorian: Payton BradleyValedictorian: Emelia Prey Congratulations to each of you on this incredible accomplishment! Your hard work and determination have set a high standard and made