At Seneca Fire – Cattaraugus
On Thursday, August 10th, at the Seneca Fire Cattaraugus Hall, a first-of-its-kind workshop was held for over 70 professionals in local law enforcement, school districts and social service agencies that provide services to our community members in a continued effort to share awareness about the Every Child Matters movement and the traumatic impact of Indian boarding schools on Indigenous people.
Seneca educators gave presentations offering a deeper insight into our communities’ historical and generational trauma. Our Seneca Nation Councillors gave inspirational words.
Tours of the former Thomas Indian School grounds on the Cattaraugus Territory were offered, and lunch included cultural foods. The beauty of the Indigenous culture of our language, songs and dances, which still survive and help heal our people, was also shared.
Ja:göh Hoops of Hope and Resilience and Indigenous Peoples Dancers who performed, and thank you to all who participated in this powerful educational workshop.
Coming together to recognize residential school experiences, listening and honoring the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and gain new perspectives was a great step towards the ongoing process of reconciliation.
We:so’ Nya:wëh to the SNI Health System Child & Family Services, Seneca Strong, Seneca Nation Departments, Seneca Media, Councillors Tina Abrams and Odie Porter, Dr. Lori Quigley, Hayden Haynes, Flip White and Travis Stafford for making this event possible!
