Executive Messages & News

President

A message from President J.C. Seneca

Heyhey Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’, I hope everyone has been staying safe and warm during this recent stretch of cold weather. Despite the cold temperatures and snow, the Seneca Nation recently welcomed someone who is completing an incredible journey. Noah Coughlan passed through the Cattaraugus Territory as part of “The Run for America – A Tribute to […]

Sports

Witnessing Two of Our Native Women Representing Indian Country

L to R: Noelani Cornfield, Sydney Benally Witnessing two of our Native women representing Indian Country at the collegiate level is powerful in itself but seeing them excel as starting athletes is something so special. Fewer than 1% of NCAA student-athletes identify as Native American. Representation matters and these young women are not just present […]

Sports

Trelin Warrior (Seneca) Reaches 1,000 Points

Congratulations to Trelin Warrior (Seneca), out of Gowanda High School in New York! Trelin reached the 1,000 point mark for his basketball career in Gowanda’s win against Portville, 80-51. Ja:göh Trelin! Pictured 2nd below – with his Aunt Lacey Stevens, Mother Hopie Stevens, & Grandma Elaine Jimerson

Haring Lacrosse Art: The Roots of Our People

By Dr. Rodney Haring This piece carries a story held in Good Mind—of resistance, resilience, and continuance. Two trees connected standing in unity. The bottom intentionally singed, a living reminder of the burning of Onödowáʼga:’ (Seneca) homes during the Kinzua removal, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers forcibly displaced families from treaty-protected lands. The fire marks truth. It does not erase it. From that burning rises the top of the tree—steam-bent, carved, and shaped upward—representing new growth, resistance, resilience, and the enduring strength of the people. Hickory was hand-dug and collected from Quaker Bridge Area-Low Banks-on the Allegany Territory, where Dr.

Seneca Models, Photographer Take on the First Peoples Fashion Show

January 23, 2026 | Reposted from First People’s Fashion Show FB | Photo by Joe CenterSubmitted by Barbara Hill Pictured above: Tisha Thompson, Charlie Rae, and K. Francis The Indigenous First Peoples Fashion Show was held at Estes Park, Colorado, on January 17, 2026. It is a cornerstone event of the annual First Peoples Festival, founded by Nico Strange Owl. This groundbreaking evening celebrated and amplified the voices of Indigenous designers, models, and artists, providing a powerful platform for their artistry and rich cultural heritage. Held at the Estes Park Events Complex, the fashion show is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and

University at Buffalo High School Youth Law Day

Youth Law Day program: Since 2006, the New York State Bar Association has partnered with New York State law schools to develop events and recruit speakers that engage underserved high school students. These programs are designed to highlight the excitement of practicing law, the important contributions of attorneys, and the need for the legal profession to reflect the diverse communities it serves. Youth Law Day sessions typically run for the length of a standard school day and cover a wide range of topics, including common student questions such as, “Is law school right for me?” “Can someone like me really go

Kahnawa:ke Fashion Exhibition

SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 21, 2026! Get your tickets to see Seneca designer Karlene Familo!

Discover Law Program For Undergraduates at University at Buffalo Are Now Open!

Discover Law is a great program – it’s an immersive four-week program held on UB’s North Campus in June, for undergraduates from underrepresented and/or under-resourced backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a career in law. The program is at no cost to participants and the students live on campus while they participate in the program. More information about Discover Law is available here: https://www.law.buffalo.edu/about/diversity-and-inclusion/discover-law.html. The deadline for applications for this year’s program is Friday, March 13, 2026. Please feel free to share this information with any students you know who may be interested. Discover Law ApplicationSelection for the Discover Law program is focused

Noah Coughlan Welcomed to Cattaraugus Territory During Historic Cross-Country Run

We were honored to welcome Noah Coughlan to the Seneca Nation Cattaraugus Territory on Wednesday afternoon as part of his historic and courageous final Run across the United States — a 260-day journey rooted in the spirit, strength, and stories of community. Noah was escorted onto the Territory by Erie County Sheriff Deputy Brad Mohawk (Onöndowa’ga), Seneca Nation Marshals, and greeted by the Iroquois Post 1587 American Legion. He was welcomed by President J. Conrad Seneca and First Lady Nicole Seneca, alongside Seneca Nation Councillors and Executives, for a small reception grounded in respect and connection. Noah expressed that he was

The Long Hope Nominee for Best Documentary

The 30th RNCI Red Nation International Film Festival & RNCI Red Nation Awards continues to shine a powerful spotlight on this year’s filmmakers, nominees, and award winners. The RNCI showcased dozens of original Indigenous films from November 10 - December 31, 2025. The Long Hope was shown on November 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. Local Seneca Activist Ross John Sr. along with Activist John Kane teamed up together to create a documentary called The Long Hope. The Long Hope is a documentary on an activist’s position on Sovereignty and the Rule of Law. The film was created by Iron Rose

Native Americans in Philanthropy Announces Third Cohort of Native Youth Grantmakers

Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) is honored to welcome the third cohort of Native Youth Grantmakers—ten exceptional young leaders from across Turtle Island who carry with them the wisdom of their communities, the determination of emerging changemakers, and the generosity that has long defined Indigenous approaches to giving. This new group of youth leaders, ages 18–24, will begin their year-long program that was intentionally designed to nurture Indigenous leadership and ensure young people have a meaningful role in shaping the philanthropic landscape. Each participant brings a deep connection to their home community—whether reservation, rural, or urban—and a commitment to uplifting Indigenous

Chill Creations Recently Opened

SALAMANCA — Chill Creations recently opened at 123 Main St., offering people alternative options for printing their personalized items. Opening the doors to her new business on Nov. 3, owner Gina Hill held her official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 8. The custom design print shop blends art with technology to produce stunning custom garments and other merchandise, from pens and stainless steel tumblers to stickers and pens. Whether the customer has a promotional event in mind, needs team uniforms or just wants to personalize their apparel, Hill can make it happen. Hill said she can print on just about anything. If she can’t

Hodinöhsö:ni’ Art Show at Ganondagan

Complete applications must be received by 5pm - Friday, February 20th, 2026 Hodinöhsö:ni’ Art Show2026 Art Show ThemeWhat is a Haudenosaunee Peace? ​This year’s juried art show at Ganondagan will have a theme. As we move into the year 2026, Indigenous communities are being asked to respond to the 250th anniversary of the American War for Independence. For many tribal nations this anniversary represents tremendous loss and is a painful reminder of the devastation of war. For our purposes, we have decided to focus not on a revolutionary war, but on a revolutionary Peace. ​We are asking artists to respond in their work

ARTS Council Community Documentation Workshop

The ARTS Council is proud to share more updates from our third Community Documentation Workshop (CDW)! The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes | December 19, 2025 This fall The ARTS Council and CDW participants have continued to work with Pottery Pete, helping to document Haudenosaunee pottery practices, including clay harvest and preparation, pit firing, and food preparation. One of Peter’s apprentices, Cami Jones, being interviewed in the pottery studio of the Stanley “Sully” Huff Heritage Center on the Cattaraugus Territory of the Seneca Nation of Indians (SNI).One of Peter’s apprentices, Brennan Johns, being interviewed in the pottery studio of the Stanley

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

Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Update

12557 Route 438, Irving, NY Come to Movie Night! Saturday, February 21st at 6:00 PM Soul on Fire will be showing in the fellowship hall! This film is based on the true story and best-selling book On Fire by John O’Leary. Find out how a 9-year-old boy survives burns covering 100% of his body with the help of his family, faith, and community. Actors John Corbett and William H. Macy star in this powerful, uplifting feature. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the

2026 Haudenosaunee Summer College PAID Internship

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

NACS: Grief & Loss Event

Featuring Tom Porter & Leroy “Jock” Hill Join us on February 20 for a day of responding to grief and loss, featuring speakers Tom Porter and Leroy "Jock" Hill, a self-care fair, dinner and social.