Credit: Buffalo Bandits, Iroquois Post #1587
The Buffalo Bandits hosted Native American Heritage Night, presented by Seneca Resorts & Casinos on Saturday, February 4th. The US and Canadian National anthems were sung by Layla Seneca (Seneca, Turtle clan, Cattaraugus Territory, daughter of Nikki & Steve Seneca). Representing the Iroquois Post #1587 Women Warriors Color Guard: Nancy Scott, Tisheena Jimerson-Clarke, Sandra Redeye and Jennifer Helie. The recognized HERO of the night was Josette “Nini” Wheeler, (Seneca, Cattaraugus Territory, Turtle clan), a USAF Veteran.
President Rickey Armstrong, Sr. was on hand for the face-off in an evening full of fun cultural celebrations. (Pictured above. Photo credit: Joe Hrycych/Buffalo Bandits)
During the halftime show, the Dëdwa:d drum and dance troupe shared a few social dances with the crowd. After which, Coaches Lauren Huff (Seneca, Cattaraugus Territory, Wolf clan), Destiny Sampson (Seneca, Cattaraugus Territory, Snipe clan) and the Seneca Girls Lacrosse team took to the floor for an exhibition game against each other.
Adalia Plain (Seneca, Cattaraugus Territory), currently a Senior at Syracuse University majoring in Biology, received the 2023 Bandits Native American Scholarship.
The incredible talent of Jacky Snyder (Seneca, Cattaraugus Territory, Turtle clan) was recognized as she beaded the Bandits team individual medallions. The team wore “Every Child Matters” t-shirts and helmet decals.
Newtown Minors Gabe Cortes, Oakley Snyder, Caias John and Damien Warrior were honored as well, all were representing Championship teams from Tyke, Novice, Bantam, and Midget. J.J. White & Mojo Sauce provided live music throughout the night.
Ja:göh to all for sharing your many talents and knowledge. Nya:wëh
2023 Bandits Native American Scholarship Recipient Adalia Plain 
Champions honored from the North American Minor Lacrosse Association – Congrats to the Newtown Golden Eagles and Onondaga Redhawks 
Heavyweight Player of the Game Dhane Smith rocking his beaded medallion! 
Beaded medallions by Jacky Snyder 
Bandits team wearing their Every Child Matters shirts 
