Seneca Niagara Casino, Cattaraugus Territory – Thomas Indian School, Seneca Arts & Learning Center
Cattaraugus Territory
Last month, on September 30th, we held an Every Child Matters Remembrance & Community Healing Walk. Our community gathered in orange to support residential school survivors and remember the children lost to the Indian boarding school system. We walked on the grounds of the Thomas Indian Boarding School on our Cattaraugus Territory, Irving, NY, where remnants of buildings remain, where young Indigenous children once worked. We honored them by speaking our language and singing traditional songs that were previously forbidden at these schools. Afterward, we shared a meal with our families, reflecting on the time that was denied to these children. Many of them never returned home. We continue to raise awareness about the survivors and the impact of residential schools on Indigenous people. We honor our elders and children and continue the conversations on Indigenous rights and reconciliation. Nya:wëh to everyone who attended, supported, and helped organize this event for the continued healing of our community.
Seneca Arts & Learning Center
A huge thank you to all the families, children, teachers and staff that helped make our Orange Shirt Day a memorable and impactful experience! Your participation in the walk and the creation of our vibrant chalk mural was truly inspiring. The beautiful artwork and heartfelt messages drawn by the children, teachers, and staff highlighted the importance of unity, hope, and remembrance.
By coming together, we celebrated the resilience of Indigenous children and acknowledged the painful history of residential schools. Our classrooms showed the strength of community and the power of education in promoting healing, raising awareness, and fostering understanding. Through our collective efforts, we sent a strong message: Every Child Matters.
This movement is not just a one-day event, it is a call to action for all of us to advocate for the rights and well-being of every child in our community. Thank you for joining us in honoring the past and working toward a brighter future. We are incredibly proud of all the students, staff, and families who helped make this day memorable! Nya:wëh!
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Every Child Matters Remembrance Walk at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. Together, we honored the memory of Indigenous children and showed support for the continued healing of our Native community. AGWA:IWA’HASDE’, ÖGWAYA’DAGÖHSOTA’ (We Are Resilient; We Remain).
